PCT SOBO DAY 124 – Book it in Big Bear

Day 124

Start: Deep Creek, mile 2354.5

Finish: Van Dusen Canyon Rd/Big Bear Lake, mile 2380.7

Miles Traveled: 26.2 miles + 3 miles to town

My goal today was to get to Big Bear so I could buy a new mat and not have to spend another night sleeping on the floor. I started at my usual time and immediately crossed another milestone: 300 miles to go! Time flew by.

Despite my goal, I was in a bad mood (again). I went up and around the desert mountains, taking breaks in the shade as the day warmed. I appreciated today’s gradual incline. Yes, I had to climb a little, but it wasn’t tiring at all.

The road was very quiet today. I passed a couple of women heading north and saw a couple of bikers on the road, but that was it. I mostly kept my head down and kept going.

By the time I reached the last climb of the day, it was almost dusk. I still had a few miles to go, plus I had to walk another 3 miles down a forest service road to the main road into town. There was no doubt: tonight I had to go on a night walk.

Big Bear Lake looked stunning under the setting sun. The distant mountains glowed orange with the warmth of the falling rays of light and the sky was clear. As soon as the sun disappeared, the cold covered the mountainside. It was much colder here than last night! I was glad I didn’t have to sleep on the cold floor.

Once again, I pulled out my trusty headlamp and kept moving. The blue-black forest was a little spooky at night, but I tried not to think too much about what might be lurking in the shadows.

Soon I reached the forest service road and began my last 3 miles of the day. No one was coming this way anytime soon, and I didn’t want to hitchhike at night anyway. Once I got service, I had Lyft pick me up on the main road. My timing was perfect! The driver stopped just as I reached the intersection and quickly took me to Big Bear.

He gave me a quick tour of the city (what a nice downtown area!) and took me to my hotel. It was late, but I was so hungry! I braved the cold and went outside to try to find somewhere that was open. Almost everything was closed except the bars, but their kitchens were closed too. My salvation was the only place open after 9 pm: Teddy Bear Restaurant.

I sat down, tired, hungry and a little frustrated, but when I left, I had pep in my step. The waiter was very friendly and even offered me a free slice of house cake. When I returned to my room, I was full, happy and ready to fall into my bed.

And that’s a day in the life of a PCT SOBO hiker!

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