The 3 challenges of week 3: Idyllwild to Big Bear Lake

While one mission was optional, the second was inevitable and feared. The third was an unpleasant but valuable surprise. Spoiler: all missions were completed successfully.

3 missions in 1 week

Idyllwild has been a pleasure. I left well rested and energized, ready to get back on the road. While Devils Slide felt like a struggle on the way down because my body was sore, I loved walking those 2.5 miles back. The trail is easy, the views are beautiful, and I loved the feeling of being back on the trail and in nature again.

So, with that positive vibe and a deep feeling of happiness, I was ready for the first mission.

Mission 1: San Jacinto Summit without skipping part of the PCT

San Jacinto is not part of the PCT, but you get so close to the summit that many hikers choose to climb that beautiful mountain. There are different ways to approach this mission, but for me, there was really only one option: go up and back the same way. That way, I wouldn’t skip any part of the official PCT.

The roads were free of snow and that seemed like a gift I couldn’t refuse. So I went up. I expected the climb to be tough, like the days before Idyllwild. But it was actually much easier, despite carrying a heavy lunch bag full of food. The views were already incredible on the way up, so they had to be even better from the top.

They were.

I felt amazed. I whispered words of gratitude for the views, took in the full 360 degrees, and felt so grateful to be here.

Mission 2: Finding my path without a trace in Mission Creek

This part of the trail is notorious. Mission Creek is a stream in a wide river bed. A few years ago, a major flood washed out a large portion of the PCT along the creek. It has not been rebuilt. As a result, you will have to find your own way through the river bed. Some hikers love it, others find it really challenging.

So I wasn’t sure whether to fear it or expect it, especially with rain in the forecast. I rushed from Whitewater Preserve to Mission Creek to begin the challenge.

Keeping my feet dry was not an option. The six kilometers without a trace took me a long time. Jumping across the stream over and over, climbing over big rocks, picking my way through the sand, planning my next steps, and sometimes backtracking to find a better route.

But it was fun.

It felt like a big, beautiful playground for adult hikers. A break on the narrow path, replaced by a wide channel full of options. And after all, it’s only about six miles. After that, there are still some faded sections, but nothing too bad.

And as a bonus, the rain waited patiently until my tent was set up.

Mission 3: An unexpected test for the cold Sierra

The night after Mission Creek, it started snowing. Not much, but still. The temperatures dropped. At first, the hike wasn’t too bad, until I had to filter through a lot of ice water. My fingers became numb, painfully cold, and nothing worked to warm them for hours. It wasn’t until around 1pm that the sun was strong enough to provide relief.

My mood fell. Although he loved the beauty of the snow on the trees and bushes, he couldn’t ignore the cold.

Lesson for the Sierra: filter the water with waterproof gloves to prevent my fingers from freezing and ruining my mood for the rest of the day.

That night, temperatures dropped to 20 degrees, exactly the temperature of my quilt. It’s time to put my Sierra sleep system to the test.

Well, I camp in the winter at home, so I’ve tested my gear before. But I could have cheated a little by using warm water bottles and a good campfire before bed.

So now: duvet securely fastened around my 6.9 R-value sleeping pad, sleeping bag liner, merino thermal base layers, gloves, hat, socks, hooded padding, extra clothing around my feet, waterproof jacket over my foot base and all the electronics and my water filter inside my liner. I felt like a stuffed burrito. But that should be enough.

Did he do it?

Yes. I was so comfortable that it was difficult for me to get up in the morning.

I just hope I don’t encounter much colder nights, because I’m not sure how much colder I’ll still be comfortable.

how were my days

So, three missions accomplished. But this week brought much more. Because, after all, I’m hiking the wonderful PCT.

San Jacinto is the star of the 15th

After Grumpy drops me off at Humber Park and approves my shoes, I get back on the trail to reach the top of San Jacinto. This little trip is absolutely worth it. The views are incredible.

After the summit, I turn around and walk back to the PCT, where I follow an easy stretch with nice views back to Devils Slide. After that, the trail winds through a forest with plenty of water and even a waterfall.

On the 16th I say goodbye to the San Jacinto Wilderness

When I wake up, my fingers are too cold to tie my shoelaces. But once I finally accomplish this complicated task, I can walk my last few kilometers through the beautiful nature of San Jacinto. The squirrels and chipmunks run, the birds sing, and I am a happy hiker.

As I officially leave the San Jacinto Wilderness, I stop for a moment to thank it for all its beauty.

As I continue walking, I notice something interesting: a sort of inverted tree line. In most places, trees disappear as height is gained. Here it is quite the opposite. Higher up means more trees. As you descend, the vegetation becomes lower and sparser.

As I continue down into the valley, the trail offers me stunning views back toward San Jacinto. I love it so much that I decide to camp somewhere where I can enjoy that view a little more.

The 17th leaves me speechless.

Today I finish the descent into the valley. It’s not my favorite day, but it’s okay. It’s like walking through a power plant. The valley is extremely windy and there is no way to escape the noise of Interstate 10 and power lines. There are wind turbines scattered everywhere and there is a huge field of solar panels in the distance.

I quicken my pace to return to the mountains after Whitewater. The wind is still strong and sometimes playful, trying to make me lose my balance. I climb again and am rewarded with beautiful views of the new mountain range I have entered.

Because of the wind, I decide to camp at Whitewater Preserve, a small green oasis on a rocky river bed. A couple I met earlier drove up and kindly offered fresh fruit to me and other hikers.

Mission Creek turns the 18th into a playground

The wind blew in the valley all night. It started as a deep rumble in the distance, then got closer, making the trees creak louder and louder until it shook my tent again and again. I’m always amazed by this kind of natural power, but I didn’t sleep much.

A little tired, I begin the eight-mile hike to Mission Creek. Curiously, the wind disappears after just a mile. The clouds maintain the perfect temperature.

The hike up Mission Creek is easy and beautiful. Yellow flowers everywhere and the trail moves gently from one small ridge to another until I descend to the stream. It takes a while to finish, but it’s fun.

After getting back on the trail, I climb up a bit and find a nice little campsite near a stream.

After the heat of the desert, the 19th reminds me that my hands hate the cold

There is snow. It’s very cold. I knew this could happen in the desert, but somehow I didn’t expect it.

The snow looks beautiful on leaves and branches, but my hands refuse to warm up. It’s frustrating having to spend the entire morning with painfully cold fingers.

When the sun finally comes out, I soak up all the heat to thaw my body. Thank you sunshine.

After that, the hike becomes much more enjoyable. I pass the 250 mile marker and enjoy the views of San Jacinto Peak, now covered in fresh snow. I feel very grateful to have been able to climb it without snow.

The 20th takes me to Big Bear and a big bed.

The night was cold, about 20 degrees. My sleep system held up, which is a great way to start the day.

Only 12 miles to the highway, where I intend to hitchhike to Big Bear. It feels like a relaxed morning walk. Squirrels completely ignore me as they nibble on their nuts just above my head, birds provide the soundtrack for the day, giant trees surround me and impress me, and finally I get views of mountains with clouds rolling over them like slow waves.

I share an Uber with other hikers and go out to lunch with another Dutch hiker. It feels both comfortable and a little strange to suddenly speak Dutch here.

After lunch, it’s time to relax thoroughly.

The 21st is all about homework and some more relaxation.

Is it a day of rest or a day of housework? Either way, I feel fresh, my clothes are fresh, and my tummy is very happy with all the vegetables, fruits, and calories I give it. My backpack is heavy due to my resupply.

I also find a replacement for the Tyvek I lost: a folding mat that will hopefully make my breaks even better along the way.

So how about the name of the trail?

In my last post, I mentioned my possible route name: Dancer.

So did I take it?

Well, it happened naturally, as these things do. People started calling me Dancer and I liked that. It’s a happy name. I like that.

So the 20th was the first day I introduced myself as a Dancer. The hiker I told responded, completely confused, “Santa Claus?”

So…not the smoothest start. But it felt good.

Dancer she is.