Day 19 (20 April) - Mile 179.39 - 186.61 (Actually hiked 7.8 miles)

Idyllwild to San Jacinto State Park Wilderness

Another wonderful morning waking up in a cabin in Idyllwild. I didn't need a shower, but I took one anyway just because I could. Brad, who stayed at the campground last night, showed up around 8:45 AM and we walked to the Red Kettle for breakfast. After filling up on a spinach, mushroom, avocado omelet we went back to the cabin and prepared to hike. Tim decided to join us on the first few miles so he got in on the starting picture.

Let's get back on the trail.

There are many routes out of Idyllwild to get back on the PCT. We chose to take Deer Springs Trail because the trailhead was only 0.7 miles from the cabin versus the more popular Devil's Slide trail that was 2.5 miles. We walked the steep road up to the trailhead and was happy to get there.

Made it to the trailhead.

Tim planned on hiking with us for about 3 miles. The trail started out very steep and only 1/2 mile up we arrived at a sign stating that everyone needed a permit. Brad and I have our PCT thru-hiking permit so we were ok. However, Tim didn't have a permit so he couldn't go any further. This is his sad face:

End of the trail for Tim.

Yeah...Tim wasn't too upset since this trail was really hard. It was almost 4 miles and climbed from 5,618 feet to 8,047 feet. That's a lot of climbing! No Barbra...we couldn't sing during this climb. Along Deer Creek Trail there is a turnoff for Suicide Rock. We did not make the hike there, but we got a good view:

View of Suicide Rock

During the long climb up Deer Creek Trail, we took many, many breaks. During this one I had the energy to take a picture.

Self-portrait with big tree

As we climbed we finally came across our first snow on the PCT.

Stepping on snow.

Finally, after climbing 2,427 feet in under 2.5 hours, we made it back to the PCT at mile 183.45. Because of the fire closure we were forced to skip 31.59 miles of it...although we did walk an alternate route to keep with the continuous footsteps and all. It was nice to be back!

Sign at Strawberry Junction on the PCT.

We took a nice 45 minute lunch break and started up the PCT and it did continue to go up. We topped off at 8,948 feet and saw plenty more snow as we climbed. I didn't really enjoy the snow, but I did enjoy the views and the walk through the pine forest.

I LOVE pine trees

Beautiful landscape

View of San Gorgonio Peak.

No words.

Snow on the trail.

Captivating view

Awesome trail engineering.

Finally we made it to our campsite for the night. Also joining us is a couple from Germany that ate raw hotdogs with cheese and ketchup in a tortilla shell for dinner...yuck! Also, Linda joined us later. We met her back at mile 77 under the bridge of Scissors Crossing. When she got to Paradise Valley Cafe, she hitched a ride to Palm Sorings and spent the weekend attending the Coachella concert. Somehow, even though she took that time off, she was able to catch up to us.

​Today was definitely the hardest day so far hiking on the trail. Between the nonstop climbing, the elevation of the trail, the snow covering portions of the trail, and my now heavier bag all added to a tough day.

Yes, my bag is heavier now that Barbra is gone. Now I have to carry all the gear instead of being able to split it between the two of us. The cool thing is that now I get to use my brand new 1-person tent that so far I am really liking. Here is my site for the night. I really could do without the snow right next to the tent! Tonight's campsite is at 8,570 feet, so I'm expecting it to be a bit cold.

What's with the snow?!?