Day 24 through 26 – Cajon Pass to Wrightwood mile 369

Song of the post – “Escape ( Pina Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes

I took a couple days off from posting for a little foot/muscle/ligament recovery.

Back on the trail for the climb from Cajon Pass to the mountain/desert town of Wrightwood. This is a climb over two to three days from 2900ish ft to 8300 ft. About 27 miles.

Why a picture of a McDonalds? This is a celebrated stop on Cajon Pass for PCT hikers, before the long climb. Many hikers will actually stock up on enough fast food to get them all the way to Wrightwood. Think about that, 6 to 8 meals of McDonald’s fast food that you’re caring 3000+ feet. The upside, no cooking for 2-3 days. The downside, how will all that greasy food react with a hiker’s somewhat taxed digestive system.

Unfortunately the day that we arrived it was closed for renovation (🙄 what are the chances). I really hadn’t planned on buying any food, however, it was disappointing not to be able to go in.

Water on this section would be sparse. At the only water cache (mile 6), we’d need to carry about 5 liters of water to comfortably get us through the hike (I laugh, there’s really nothIng comfortable about any of this). 5 liters equates to about 11 lbs. We normally carry about 2 liters before being able to refill.

This water cache is maintained wholly by PCT volunteers. Thanks Randy and all you guys.

DAY 1: The hike was tough….and SPECTACULAR!!

Ended Day 1 with a nice campsite and a lovely view. Camped at 5600 ft. 2700 ft climb tomorrow.

Day 2: Out of camp by 6:00. Reached the high point by 9:30ish. Met alot of nice, upbeat hikers on the climb. Everyone was in high spirits.
And again, more great views and foliage.

Hitched into town, made it to Wrightwood around 1:30. Hung out at Mountain Hardware (another PCT hiker hangout) with other hiker trash, good social time.

Finished the day getting supplies for the next 4 days/nights at Jensens, and doing laundry at the coolest little back alley self service laundry mat.

Tomorrow morning we begin the climb up Mt Baden-Powell, 9400 ft.