Day 130
Start: Campground, mile 2480.4
End: Anza/Highway 74, mile 2504.0
Miles driven: 23.6 miles
Last night the wind was fierce! I was thankful I set up near a huge rock, otherwise I think my tent would have blown away. The wind had died down a bit as the sun came up, but there was still a steady breeze as I made my way down the trail.
It was another clear day with very few water sources along the way. The thorny mountain range stretched into the distance, with fallen trees scattered haphazardly. The trail took me over and around some cool rock formations before taking me on to my climbs for the day.
The terrain had a lot of ups and downs, so I didn’t get much rest before it was time to climb. Still, I enjoyed the view of the valley stretching out into a dry plain.
At lunchtime I took a nap under some wonderfully shady trees and thought about my next step. I could follow the trail and get to a place to resupply tomorrow or I could take a blue llama and get there a little faster. If you know me, you probably know what I chose. The blue glow!
I took a side trail down the mountain and found myself among a tangle of forest service roads. The wide, smooth path helped me move a little faster despite the heat, and before long I found myself on the main road. It was just a straight road to Paradise Valley Café and the intersection where I could hitchhike into town.
I almost ran out of water when I heard someone yelling something from across the street. Not sure if they were talking to me, I turned and looked. Sure enough, it was a woman in her garden who was beckoning me over. She realized I was a PCT hiker and offered me water and transportation if I needed it. I wasn’t too far from my goal, so I accepted the offer. She was heading in the direction I needed, so it was perfect!
Once in town, he dropped me off and wished me good luck. After quickly resupplying, I ate great Mexican food and then headed to the hotel, where I slept the rest of the night.
And that’s a day in the life of a PCT SOBO hiker!
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