Caterpillar Disaster – The Walk

Last night was a little colder than last night. I couldn’t sleep very well, so I gave in and watched a reality show that I downloaded in the middle of the night. The plan was to go about 10 miles towards Mt. Laguna and spend a nice relaxing black (close to zero) day in the city.

The morning walk was incredibly green. I felt like I was walking through a forest in the middle of the desert! During the entire trip there were thousands of caterpillars along the trail. So many that even stepping carefully it was difficult not to step on them. Poor things.

Stopped for breakfast at Long Canyon Creek. This is the first stream I’ve ever seen flowing! Once again, the whole day made me wonder if we were really in the desert. As I walked into town, I got some cell service and had a chance to FaceTime with some friends to say hello.

I arrived at Mount Laguna around noon. I thought I had bumped into one of my campmates who was ahead of me, or the other one right behind me, but the town felt pretty quiet. I had a quick lunch of oatmeal with protein and watched FarOut to weigh my camping options. The campground he was targeting was closed for the season and planned to reopen in just 3 days. The only other option in town was a hospital with limited beds. I wasn’t ready to spend time or money on a hostel yet, so I decided to move on to the next campsite. So far a short 10 mile day.

Camping is difficult around Mount Laguna because backcountry camping is prohibited. The next camping option was an established campground called Laguna Campground. I arrived around 3:00 pm and decided to set up my tent. The campground is quiet and I didn’t see any PCT hikers staying here, so it will be my first night camping alone. Hopefully a little quiet and solitude will allow you to sleep well at night.

I think I only have 15 miles left until Scissors Junction, where they will take me to Julian. I’ll finally have my short day tomorrow and I’m hoping the people I’ve been walking with will catch up with me so we can all go into town together in 2 days.

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