Day 29: 402-427
On the road at 6:45 am and happy to see the sun again. All the birds were calling and I could see some fresh hoof prints on the trail from what I assume to be a mountain goat. The weather seemed perfect, a dichotomy between cool and warm with a light breeze. The miles were easy today and by 2 o’clock I had completed over 16 miles. I stopped at the pony park day use area near the Mill Creek Fire Station and took a short break. I took off my shoes and socks to dry off while I filled up on water and ate snacks. As I started to get back on the trail I felt an overwhelming sting in my ankle and knew something wasn’t right. After investigating I discovered that a fire ant had gotten into my socks and I quickly removed it. Oh, how ironic being stung by a fire ant at the fire station. My ankle hurt for much of the afternoon, but luckily it was just uncomfortable. Another personal record broken, with a 25 mile day. My feet were angry though. My shoes are wearing out and it’s time to buy a new pair. I’m also grateful that the long days allow me to eat cookies and Reeses after dinner without regret.
Day 30: 427-447
The day wore me down with a series of minor frustrations: overgrown bushes crossing the path blocking the way, 8-10 miles of hiking tilted to one side of my foot to stay on the north side of the mountain, and the built-up heat that grew as I descended over 3,700 feet. The views keep changing and changing, but as I descend into the desert, I miss the towering trees and the smell of the forest. Just a few days ago I was lamenting the frigid mountain weather, and as I huddled in the shade of a small desert bush, I longed for a cool breeze over a mountain ridge. I stopped at the Acton Camp RV complex to fill up on water, as FarOut reviews recommended due to the large amount of farm and farm runoff polluting the nearby creek. I continued up the mountain and found a beautiful, quiet place to camp. I was so excited to finally have my second night of the trip where I could have my own campsite. Then, just before sunset, another very friendly hiker approaches and asks about cowboy camping at this nice site. I offered the other site 500 feet down the trail, but they were the social type and preferred not to camp alone. I agreed and we shared a nice conversation and stories about the trail. Although I long for those nights alone, it’s part of the experience to meet friendly people whenever you can. We both went to bed when we heard a coyote howling across the ridge.
Day 31: 447-454
A short black day in Freshwater with a stop at Vasquez Rocks, a historic filming location for many television shows and movies. My girlfriend was meeting me in town again so we went to the cowboy tavern where I again had a hearty breakfast where I’m still impressed with how much I can eat and still not feel completely full. There isn’t much in town except three restaurants and a few shops, so we opted to stay in Santa Clarita, just a 25-minute drive away. I indulged in delicious sushi and tempura fried green tea ice cream, without regrets.
Vasquez Rocks
Day 32: Santa Clarita Zero
I bought some new shoes, enjoyed the jacuzzi, completed city chores, rested and ate well. I enjoy the comfort and relaxation of days in the city and don’t feel the need to get back on the road. This particular day I was worried about some arch pain in my left foot and I’m hoping the new shoes will help.
Tread wear after 450 miles
Day 33: 454-465
Started the return to the trail around 1:00 pm It was a hot day, around 85 degrees and I still had about 2000 feet of climbing left to do. Halfway up the hill I had to take a break for about an hour while sweat poured down my face. Taking a long break and a few short breaks to get over the ridge and down the north side of the ridge. Water was scarce, but I had my eyes on a water intake maintained by an Eagle Scout troop on the Bouquet Canyon road and camped just past there. Once again, we found a decent, secluded tent site right next to the trail. I noticed that when I set up camp, the bees were active in the flowering plants surrounding the camp, and when the sun went down, the bees went to bed and the moths came out to taste the nectar. These flowers support all types of winged life, from birds to bees, moths and insects.
Day 34: 465-485
We started the hike at 5:20 am to beat the heat and the day was a success. I hiked about 12 miles at 10:30am and found a magical trail at Two Trees near the fire station. It seemed like a great opportunity to rest and wait out the heat. I could have hitchhiked into town, but I had everything I needed, so I chatted with the hikers and lay down in the shade. After Two Trees ran out of supplies for the day, some hikers hitchhiked into town and returned with coke, beer, and flavored ice for a magical post-trail celebration. At 3:30 pm, I knew I still had 7.5 miles to go to the next good campsite. It was still very hot, especially on the way up, and although the trail was overgrown and challenging in places, I came to a nice flat area of sand at a stream next to the road.
bouquet deposit
Day 35: 485-506
I was hoping for an early start again, but when I opted to snooze a little longer and was on my way at 6am. Even starting early, the climbs still felt warm and highs were expected around 80. By noon I had reached mile 498 and the sawmill campground. It had picnic tables, a bathroom, and plenty of shade. Everything I needed for a midday break. Continued another 8 miles to a pleasant, if slightly sloping and secluded spot on Hare Mountain. 
Reflections:
Careless. That’s what I think defines this section of the PCT. Multiple miles where it felt more like bulldozing an off-trail area, countless miles pushing through bushes and tripping over rocks that you can’t see through the growth. Mother Nature is reclaiming what is hers. However, it also highlights a lack of funding for the forest service and a lack of trail maintenance. I talked to someone who hiked the PCT again this year and who also hiked it in 2022 and he mentioned the surprising differences in trail quality. Parts of our lives are also likely to grow too large, not maintained, and allowed to grow, overlapping the pathways of our minds. For now, I have to accept whatever comes my way.
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