Jump, jump and jump

Today was just a hop, skip, and a jump to Wrightwood. I woke up with the sunrise just over the horizon and made my morning coffee and oatmeal in bed.

This morning I added almond butter and strawberry preserves to my maple protein oatmeal and I have to say it was a game changer. I was struggling to eat maple oats all week, but adding more took me up a notch.

We walked through a burned area most of the morning, remnant of the 2024 Bridge Fire. The fire burned more than 56,000 acres, including 12 miles of the PCT. The forest service currently maintains much of the area, making the trail a little tricky to follow. Wrightwood also suffered devastating flooding last December. There was a brief moment when they thought the city wouldn’t be able to support PCT hikers this season. I’m so glad they didn’t have to close this section of the trail and that we didn’t have to miss such a special little town.

I walked past the Acorn Trail that descends to Wrightwood for another 6 miles to Inspiration Point. This is a popular hiking area and a common hitchhiking spot in the city. I walked down the hill to the parking lot where I was greeted by a penguin and a trail angel who were about to come into town. What are the odds?

The first thing to do in the city is always food. I met Bug at the Evergreen Café for a sandwich. Penguin, Straight Up and Judge joined us shortly after. While sitting at lunchtime we came across two miniature pigs taking a walk. Their names were Mango and Oliva. I have to give Mango a gift and many pets. Only in Wrightwood…

We stopped by the brewery for a drink and a look at the food and water situation ahead. I calculated a maximum need of 4 liters of water and 4-5 days of food until Agua Dulce. With that in mind, we split up to begin our tasks. I went to the market and the hardware store to restock. I know you may be thinking what you could get at the hardware store, but Mountain Hardware is more than prepared with all the products a hiker could want. They even carried my favorite brand of backpacking meals. I signed my name in their log book and got a free PCT Blaze pin to add to my fanny pack.

After loading up my resupply, we were able to enter the Airbnb and drop off our backpacks. I share a small condo with Straight Up and Bug. We did the usual shower and laundry rotation and deep cleaned every detail in our kitchen.

Wrightwood is home to a nice little farmers market held on Friday nights. Bug and I walked over to try some food from all the vendors and call it dinner. I ended up ordering a tamale, tacos, a nectarine, and a piece of honey cake that I brought back to the condo for dessert.

We spent the night relaxing, watching The Devil Wears Prada, and finishing up annoying city chores. I think I’m a fan of Nero. It gives me enough time to do chores, sleep in a nice cozy bed, and scratch the itch to get back on the road the next day. All good things everywhere.

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