April 15 – day 7 – zero miles today
Had a relaxing and rejuvenating day with excellent home-cooked breakfast, dinner and craniosacral therapy by Chery.
April 16 – day 8 – camped mile 115 – hiked 13.7 miles
It was a great day which started with another wonderful breakfast prepared by Chery. I first passed through lovely active cattle ranch country. The oak and grass savanna opened up completely before I reached Eagle Rock. This natural outcrop looks remarkably like its namesake eagle with wings partially outstretched.
Later the trail meanders through gorgeous riparian forest of sycamore, cottonwood and oak.
I reached the community center at Warner Springs in the late morning. The center is set up in season as a PCT hiker oasis. They offer water, showers, laundry, camping, re-supply food, etc. for sale in a mini store. They even prepare meals to order. I arrive a little too early for a burger but hung out long enough to get one. There were loads of thru-hikers there and many community members acting as trail angels. All in all it was a heartwarming scene.
I didn’t make it too much beyond Warner Springs as I wanted to camp along the trail side creek.
This section — from S22 near Ranchita on through to Highway 79 near Warner Springs and on to Agua Caliente creek where I camped — I again recommend to my friends and family in Southern California. The terrain is easy walking and the scenery is beautiful.
April 17 – day 9 – camped mile 136.8 – hiked 21.8 miles
This was a grueling day. I quickly left the river valley that I had camped in and ascended into the dry hills. I get to trail angel Mike’s place around mid-day. He provides water and a place to relax at his remote ranch right off the trail. I met only five thru-hikers there and for the second time here, no Mike. I continue on to Tule spring/tank where I camp for the night.
April 18 – day 10 – off-trail mile 151.7 – hiked 15.9 miles
I was up early in order to meet my niece Nicole and her son Chris at the Paradise Valley Cafe on Highway 74. Luckily I did not get there too early otherwise the wait for my burger would have been too painful.
SMS: I am in Paradise and they have beer and burgers.
I spent the rest of the day with my family at my sister Lauri’s house in Lake Elsinore eating as much as I could. I like that so much I decided to take a zero tomorrow.