Day 13: mile 179.4-183.4 (+2.5 more on the trail from Idyllwild)
The hotel shuttle back to the trailhead left at 8:15, but check out wasn’t till 11, what a dilemma… Yeah right, obviously I slept in and stayed until 11. I knew I’d find a way back to the trail, and I did. A super sweet lady named Vicki offered me a ride. We had a nice conversation about how she ended up in Idyllwild. It seems to be one of those places no one is actually from.
Once back to the trailhead I started my 2.5 mile hike straight up to get back to the PCT. Let me tell you, my legs were still on vacation. I think my day and a half of gluttony put me in a food coma.
Slowly, but surely I made it to the saddle. I put on the microspikes I picked up in Idyllwild so the going would be a bit easier in the snow this time.
My plan was a few quick miles, and then camp for the night to let this food hangover pass. Hikers call those Neros, nearly zero miles hiked. However, the weather had a different plan for me. Between the snow and the wind gusts my easy few miles took a little extra time. Right as the weather was getting wild I was happy to run into a group of 5 who I hiked with until things cleared. See Mom, I’m being safe. 😉
We came around the mountain to the sun peaking out of the clouds, such a welcomed sight. I left the group and continued on. They were still busy discussing the best plan of action, something I never have to worry about. The best plan of action is always my plan! 😂 I hiked another mile and a half and set up camp. There was a port-o-potty, how could I not camp here!?
As I was setting up my tent another girl came by looking for a spot. It was her first night on trail, she was doing a little section hiking for a few weeks. I gave her the rundown on where we are allowed to camp (which is basically anywhere), and she set up near me. Feeling great about my tent spot, tucked just far enough down to avoid the gusting wind all around me, I’m calling it a day.
Goodnight!
XOXO Becks
👍😊