Day 21: Deep Creek Hot Springs (MP 308) to Silverwood Lake (MP 329)

April 17, 2014

Up this morning around 6am. Packed and hiked down to the hot springs for a morning dip. On the trail by 7:30am with Whiskers and Jack-a-lope. Hiked down the gorge about 5 miles, passing and thanking four volunteers cleaning up graffiti and trash. Passed the Mojave River Forks dam and the final Deep Creek crossing where Jack-a-lope had just fallen in, soaking all of his gear. On past Hwy 173 and a water cache, continuing up the hills south of the dry lake bed. Crested a ridge around MP 325 and on around Silverwood Lake. Made a sign on the back of some old maps: “Wanted: cold soda, juice or beer $$" and was rewarded soon by a couple in a jeep with a couple beers (Anchor Steam)! Continued another mile to a secluded hiker/biker campsite where (surprisingly) I had cell reception. Sent a few messages and made a late call to Shannon before dinner and cowboy camping. Made 21 miles for the day.

Day 20: Holcomb Creek (MP 287) to Deep Creek Hot Springs (MP 308)

April 16, 2014

Cowboy camped by Holcomb Creek last night. Very cold, water bottles froze and hoar frost covered everything this morning. Up around 6:30; on the trail by 7am as the sun rose and warmed everything up quickly.  Hiked eleven miles through fire-scared Holcomb Valley without seeing another soul; very peaceful and remote. Stopped at Splinter's Cabin where I dried out my gear and ate a bit of lunch. Ran into Whiskers and Jack-a-lope (formerly Ryan and Jack respectively) who were arriving as I was departing. Stopped for a few photos at mile 300. As I was removing my camera from my hiking pole, it jumped from my hands and over a precipice; plummeting 15 feet before smashing into the first of several rocks, bouncing off and down another 10 feet before getting snagged by the wrist strap on a small bush just shy of the 50-60 foot drop to the creek. I scrambled down the cliff (mainly) to retrieve the memory card and was amazed to find the camera still in one piece. Made my way back up to the trail and, after a bit of cleaning dust and grit from the lens, was utterly stunned to find the camera still worked! Trail magic? Continued on to mile 306 and a tributary of Deep Creek where I ran into The Count and Bill (of Drew and Bill). Filtered water and took a refreshing dip as Whiskers and Jack-a-lope joined us. Made the last two miles to Deep Creek Hot Springs where I found a sandy spot to cowboy camp. Whiskers and Jack-a-lope soon joined me. Did a little hiker laundry the dinner of pasta puttenesca with meat sauce. Went for a soak in the hot springs (alternating with the cold creek) before turning in for the night.

Day 19: Big Bear Lake to Holcomb Creek (MP 287)

April 15, 2014

Slept late this morning. Up, packed,and showered by 9:30am. Hiked to the Grizzly Manor for breakfast with New York Matt and Alpaca. Saw Shadowfax there and chatted for a while. Ran to catch the bus after breakfast; to the grocery for salami, Gatorade and Aleve. Said farewell to Alpaca and New York Matt; walked a mile or so before getting a hitch along Hwy 38 from a really nice guy all the way up Van Dusen Canyon Rd to the trailhead (thanks again Robbie, it was much appreciated!)

Back on the trail around 12:30pm; very nice day, blue skies and warm. Hiked barefoot for a few miles around Delmar Mtn to toughen up my feet. Continued another 8 miles through a burned area and down into the Holcomb Creek valley where I camped on the creek. A couple miles hiking in town today before finishing with 12 trail miles.

Day 18: MP 261 to Big Bear Lake

April 14, 2014

Up around 6:30am; packed and snacked on an apple while I hiked. Approaching Hwy 18 around 8:30am I called the Big Bear Hostel to reserve a space for tonight. Trail magic courtesy of Papa Smurf and Mt Mama; Gatorade, soda and water. Continued nine miles past Hwy 18 toward Van Dusen Canyon Rd, passing Robodoc and Wayne from Seattle along the way, then hiked the 4 miles down into Big Bear City. Day-hiker Steve (who I had met near Onyx Summit the day before) cut me off with his truck and gave me a ride to the PO where I signed the trail register. Walked over to Thelma's for lunch then waited to catch the bus down to Big Bear Lake. No luck after 45 mins and just as I gave up and decided to walk the 4 miles, (trail angel) Mt Mama pulled over and gave me a ride!

Got to the hostel around 4pm. Drew, New York Matt, Ryan and Jack, and Alpaca had all checked in; all were there save Alpaca who was out shopping; soon Jill and Marc arrived too. Went to the store for supplies and back to the hostel for a shower and laundry. Out for pizza dinner with everyone except Jill and Marc. Stayed up late to watch the Blood Moon eclipse then to bed. Made 14 trail miles and another 4 into town for a total of 18 for the day.

Day 17: Mission Creek Trail Camp to MP 261

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.