Days 23-24

Day 23, 8 miles, endpoint PCT mile 377

We left our happy, cozy little cabin in Wrightwood, but not after two giant cinnamon rolls and a discussion of the pros and cons of staying a second night. It would have been our first actual "zero"--a complete rest day with zero miles hiked--and the thought of another relaxing night in the cabin was very tempting. However, there was really no good reason to stay (our feet and legs were feeling good,  we got considerable "town" time in already) so we made the decision to get back to the trail.

Hitching back to the trailhead was easy; the 2nd car that drove past us stopped and took us back to Inspiration Point in the Angeles National Forest where we rejoined the PCT (thanks, Dakota!).

The first four miles were nothing to speak of, until we hit the base of Mt. Baden-Powell. From there it was a relentless uphill march for another four miles until we finally reached the summit at 9,402 feet. It was so nice on the summit we decided to call it a day and made camp on a ridge just below the summit area. Josh went crazy taking pictures; with the sunset and nighttime views that included everything from snowy Mt. Baldi, to flat desert, to bright city lights, there was something to see from every angle.

Tomorrow we will run into yet another PCT closure, this time to protect an endangered frog (yep). This detour shouldn't be too tricky, though.

Almost to Canada!

Trail views.

Not a bad place to sleep and wake up to!

Sunset from camp.

Day 24, 23 miles, endpoint PCT mile 401

Overnight our calm skies turned extremely windy, and our camp with a view suddenly became a wind vortex. We were woken up by the howling gusts and brought everything into the tent as the rainfly flapped loudly and the tent seemed to sway back and forth. In the morning it was no better, and our tent was doing everything it could to fly off over the cliff. We packed as quickly as we could, said goodbye to Mt. Baden-Powell, and got our asses off that mountain.

The hiking after that was some of the windiest yet as we wound our way along exposed ridgelines. At times it was hard keeping my balance during strong gusts.

We stopped for water and were reunited with Smiles and Andrew (who is now using the trail name Uke), who we haven't seen for several days. We grabbed our water and hiked together for the rest of the day. This was a day full of mountains, with 1,000 foot climbs followed by 1,000 drops, which were then repeated several more times. We went through some beautiful territory, and I tried to enjoy it as much as possible, knowing the desert looms ahead.

Our detour (for the benefit of the endangered Yellow Legged Frog) was not a challenging one. We spent 2.7 miles along the twisting and turning Highway 2, where the only traffic consisted of a couple of motorcycles and an expensive looking sports car.

After the road walk we entered a campground, which would eventually lead us back to the PCT. A sign at the campground entrance instructed us to stop by site 18 to receive our prize. Site 18 was occupied by Cartwheel, who hiked the PCT last year. He had music, chairs, food, and most importantly, margaritas waiting as our "prize." After a few drinks and some stories about last year's PCT, we left to finish out the day.

We crossed mile 400 (!!!) and soon entered an abandoned-looking campground. The four of us were the only ones there, and it had a sort of creepy vibe. However, there was an actual water spigot (a rarity to have running water), it was after 7pm, and we were all exhausted, so we accepted the creepiness and made it our home for the night.

Not sure how much more of the higher elevation stuff we have left, but I have a feeling tomorrow will drop us down lower for some hot temperatures and desert hiking. Goodbye, mountains! (for now).

Love it when the trail sticks tight to the high ridges.  Carla in frame.

Sponsored by Angeles Crest 100, nice.

Wait, is that LA in the distance???

A little too windy for Carla to pose hahaha.

Trial views.

View from our lunch spot.

Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness.

Surprise Margaritas... thank you!!

Mile 400!!!