We had been talking about whether we should try to get to Julian on Saturday or Sunday, and even on the morning of the 5th we still weren’t quite sure. But after setting a really good pace in the morning, we agreed that we might as well push through the final 17 mile stretch to reach Julian later that day. Stay the night and celebrate with Mom’s Pie, pizza, beer, and a shower.
The terrain was full of ups and downs, which we both really felt on our feet. Maybe even more so because we accidentally ended up walking at a pretty high pace – we really wanted that cake! The final stretch before Scissors Crossing, and therefore Julian, was the hottest stretch we had experienced so far. It was very flat but extremely hot. The pace stayed high, possibly too high, and Ditte’s blisters definitely didn’t appreciate the day’s hike.
But we arrived at Scissors Crossing just in time to be picked up by two other hikers who had already arranged transportation. They were actually planning to go off the road, but luckily for us they were going straight through Julian. So we don’t have any first problems yet.
Once we arrived in Julian, we were very lucky to find a last-minute room available at the Julian Lodge, allowing us to rest, shower, and try to move Ditte’s blisters to a better location. Since the room wasn’t ready yet, we went to Miner’s Diner for a delicious burger, fries, soda, and an amazing ice cream shake. Feeling full for the first time in a week, we headed back to Julian Lodge and got our room. Before we knew it, our bags had practically exploded everywhere, or at least it seemed that way.
The feeling of taking our first shower, washing clothes in the bathtub, and simply being back in civilization already seemed surreal, and we were only five days on the road. The rest of the day was dedicated to beers and pizza. We enjoyed it with two really cool fellow hikers at The Brewery.
On day 6, we were initially unsure if we needed our first zero day, as Ditte’s feet weren’t doing so well. But after waking up and seeing that they still looked the same, we agreed to stay one more night. We went to Mom’s Pie for breakfast and had the best pie we’ve ever had, plus delicious ice cream and a drink. The rest of the day was spent resupplying, visiting 2 Foot Adventures to pick up some supplies recommended by Blaze Physio to help deal with the blisters, and of course eating and drinking.
On day 7 it was finally time to get back on the trail and continue the trip north, but we wouldn’t be leaving with the 2 Foot Adventures shuttle until 2 pm. So after packing our things, making the most of the 11 am departure time, and taking one more shower, we went to the small park in town and sat there drinking. Water. Lots of water, to make sure we were fully hydrated before heading back into the heat.
At 2 pm we left Julian with the angel Raymond and headed back to Scissors Crossing. After the obligatory photos with him, we sat for about 30 minutes before deciding to head out. That afternoon we only planned to walk 8 miles.
Even though the first hour was hot and well over 100 degrees, going higher helped as there was a little more wind. We could really feel the difference deep in the mountains compared to being in the open desert where the heat hit much harder.
At about 8 miles in, we found the most amazing campground right off the trail. We set up the tent, had dinner and didn’t see anyone for a couple of hours. Then, at dusk, hikers began passing by our tent to wish us good night.
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