From Mission Creek to Big Bear

Day 20 – Mile 227.3

Leaving my campsite at 8am, Emu had already started walking. The hike to Mission Creek was slow. Seeing Curious George and Bubbles in the shadows, I stopped to talk.
Further up the creek, I stopped to put on sunscreen late in the morning. Eagle, Crinkle, and Stronghand walked by and said hello.

Catching up with the two groups who were taking a break, I stopped to chat. Drinking the last of my water. I saw a black feather, I picked it up and put it in my ponytail. Enjoying my pace, I couldn’t help but feel lonely and missed Emu’s company.

On the exposed creek bed, I found a shady bush with a flat rock beneath it. Stopping for lunch, I filtered water and ate a bunch of snacks. Eagle, Crinkle, and Stronghand walked by. I reapplied sunscreen and continued walking upstream.

With most of the trail washed away by floodwaters, I realized the trail was on the shore. Frustrated by walking along the creek bed and unable to climb the 15-foot dirt wall, I turned around. Walking half a mile to the last creek crossing. Upon finding rock cairns and the trail leading up the shore, I was surprised by a large sand-colored rattlesnake.

Upon reaching the next seasonal stream crossing, I lost the trail. I left my backpack and went up to the bench. Not seeing the trail, I decided to head back to Mission Creek. Frustrated with having backtracked only to end up back in the creek and with my inability to keep up with the guys. He was completely alone and couldn’t find the trail. I was suffering an emotional crisis and wished I had another set of eyes to help me navigate. Looking towards the banks of the seasonal stream, I saw a pole lying over the edge. Deciding to leave my pack on, I climbed up the 15 foot embankment on the other side of the creek and was relieved to see the trail.

Up and away from the stream before reconnecting with it in a steep valley. Fire damage and erosion once again made navigation along the creek bed difficult. From time to time we see rock cairns marking the path through the rocks and large fallen trees.

The night was getting colder and I noticed a green tent on the other side of the stream. Hearing voices over the water, I saw Emu, Stronghand, Eagle, and Crinkle.

As I made ramen for dinner, I was happy to not be alone after hiking through the frustrating Mission Creek. Exhausted, I fell asleep before dark.

Day 21 – Mile 238.8

On a cold morning, I picked up water for a 17-mile haul. I still had a mile of navigating down the frustratingly steep rocky creek.

Finally reaching the top of the ravine at Mission Creek Trail Camp, I saw Eagle, Crinkle, and Stronghand filtering water. Instantly regretting carrying so much water uphill for the last mile. I dropped my backpack, drank water before filling it, and then took off a few layers.

The five of us walking through the Mission Creek valley had spectacular views, on one side the difficult Mission Creek with the snow-capped San Jacinto and on the other the snow-capped San Gorgonio. A feeling of accomplishment and relief.

The afternoon wind picked up and the clouds came. Gathering water in a stream, this was the last water before Big Bear. As night approached, we tried to find a campsite sheltered from the wind.

When mixing peanut butter into my ramen, I spilled my tea in the tent and almost had a nervous breakdown.

When dusk came, I was so tired that I fell asleep.

Today I was frustrated with myself for not having time to keep up with my blog. It had gotten harder the longer he was on the road. I felt the need to socialize with people.

Day 22 – Mile 259.3

Less than 6 miles from Highway 18 Big Bear, I was in no rush to leave my tent. I made a peanut butter omelette and some hot chai tea.

Since it was a beautiful day for walking, I decided to take a trip to God’s Eye. A large quartz rock. Before hiking to Big Bear, I saw the first of many Joshua trees on the trail (knife chandelier).

Arriving on Highway 18, I saw Emu, Marble, and their friend Detour, who split a giant bear claw between the four of us and graciously drove us into town.

Emu and I were left in a shopping plaza. While eating some of the best pizza I would have had along the way, we watched a large TV with Big Bear’s bald eagle camera. The two eaglets are called Sandy and Luna. They were blurry and gray.

Upon leaving, we had no idea how to get around the city. Jose, a local, pulled into the parking lot and offered to drive us to the Grocery Outlet. Without restocking in mind, I had a hard time deciding what I wanted and needed to buy and got a little stressed.

Realizing the bus was free, we walked to the nearest bus stop. Someone stopped to ask if we needed a ride, but didn’t have room to carry our backpacks and groceries. Upon arriving at our bus stop, my paper bag tore and my purchases went everywhere.

The Airbnb was comfortable. Eagle, Crinkle and Stronghand were already there. After showering and doing laundry, I felt like a human being again. Emu made delicious burgers for everyone and handed one to me while I did some writing.

Google stopped by to borrow our oven. He baked some bacon and took away the crispy bacon and a little pocket of cooled bacon grease.

Day 23 – Mile 266.1 Big Bear Zero

Waking up in a bed was nice on this cold, rainy morning. I was happy to be inside and not walking around.

Everyone was still sleeping, so I started making biscuits and gravy with eggs the kids had bought last night when they went shopping.

Eagle needed a new backpack and Crinkle needed a warmer sleeping bag, it was so much fun having everyone together and talking about gear.

I took a shower before running out to catch the bus across town to see Marble and the Brake Blazers.

As we stopped at Vons to buy ice cream, it started to rain outside. Arriving at the bus stop across the street, the next bus didn’t arrive for another 40 minutes. With the bucket of ice cream melting in my hand, I started walking towards the Airbnb, sticking my thumb out as I walked. A guy in a pickup truck stopped and picked me up. As we were driving to Airbnb, I made a mistake telling him where exactly I was staying.

Entering the empty house, I put the melted ice cream in the freezer.

Less than 5 minutes later, I heard a knock on the door. Hesitating to respond, I did. The man who gave me a ride asked me if I had taken his wallet and then threatened to call the police after I told him I had no reason to take his wallet.

A little scared, I told him to please call the police. Finally he left. Scared and nervous, I walked around the house and checked the locks on all the doors and windows.

Google came to hang out and we all watched PCT videos on YouTube.

Day 24 – Mile 266.1

5:30 wake up and shower before No Rush-Eagle, Crinkle and Stronghand wake up. Another cold morning in the mountains.

Emu made the best crepes I had ever tasted. We add Nutella, red fruits and syrup.

Having organized a trip to the post office, I hoped my package would be there. My old friends, mountain angels Mountain Momma and Papa Smurf, picked me up at the post office. My package didn’t arrive, they took me back to the bnb.

The sauce came while we were packing to leave the Airbnb. Eagle, Crinkle, Stronghand, Emu, Salsa and I walked to the bus stop.

Emu, Salsa, and I headed over to Papa Smurf and Mama Mountain’s house to drop off some gear so we could relax while Eagle, Crinkle, and Stronghand headed in the opposite direction.

After dropping off our gear, we walked to the main road to hitchhike. Before long, we were taken to the trailhead and our driver accidentally took us to the wrong trailhead. We hiked 8 miles south plus a 2 mile blue blazed side trail.

With the wind picking up and the clouds closing in, there was supposed to be some snow tonight. Passing Google heading north, he didn’t seem to care if it snowed that night.

About a mile off Highway 18 there was a bench with a view. We sat for a while and took in the view before finishing our walk towards the highway.

Arriving at the trailhead, I saw Emu and Salsa and another northbound hiker who was also relaxing packing up heading south. I immediately headed towards where I thought was the best place to hitchhike, with my thumb outstretched, they led me as I walked towards the turnoff. I noticed another hiker had arrived. Placing the two lone hikers in the car, I headed back to my hitch spot to try again. A van stopped for Emu, Salsa and me. Arriving at the trail angels house, we grabbed our gear and walked to the bus stop.

Wanting to stop by the post office again to see if my package would arrive for the afternoon delivery, I didn’t have time to take the bus. Sticking out his thumb, a house cleaner with space for one person stopped. I said goodbye to Emu and Salsa and got into the car as they crossed the street to the bus stop. I left my backpack on the side of the building behind some safe deposit boxes. I walked in and there was still no package. Seeing me earlier, a retired man started talking to me and I asked him to take me to the motel-style cabin I was going to stay at.

Cooking a frozen pizza and writing, it started snowing!

What a beautiful and peaceful afternoon.