April 13, 2014
Best day ever! Woke up around 6am; packed, snacked and on the trail by 7am. Hiked alone all day which was perfect! Up and downhill (mostly up) through manzanita shrubs and sagebrush for the first five miles; hot, dry and no shade except for an occasional grotto of oak trees. Pleasantly surprised to see the first Sequoia trees of my trip in a deep valley with a small steam running through it (inspired me to listen to John Muir's Yosemite on audiobook). Up to Mission Springs where I stopped for 4 liters of water since there would be none for the next 18 miles. As I continued to gain elevation, the pines and sequoias became more prevalent and provided the perfect about of shade. Stopped for lunch under a giant Sequoia with a view of snow capped mountains to the south. More incredible views as I continued up to Onyx Summit and, not one, but two caches of water and trail magic! Followed Arrastre Creek down, past Drew and Bill (fellow thru-hikers) who were camped at MP 258, and continued on towards the town of Big Bear Lake. Hiked into the evening; stopping on a ridge to camp at MP 261.
Was there a zoo out there? Where did the cages come from? Happy Birthday. I'm sure it will be a nice one on the trail.
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