Early morning start before sunrise. Had to navigate the gnarly ascent from where I had slept at Kitchen Creek. I was so excited and relieved to make it out and safely. Said a prayer of thanks and got on my way in the dark. Eventually day broke and I made it to Cibbets Flat Campground – 3/4 mile off trail – ate breakfast and used the pit toilet, put some sunscreen on. This was a good choice to stop even though it was off trail.
I met Dave and Dana along the way. It was good to see them and good to chat. Dana gave me the trail name, “Diesel.” Ha. Dana said that diesels can’t be stopped. They appreciated that I don’t give up. I gave them Abundant Life Trail stickers.
It was a long day of climbing but I finally made it to Mount Laguna. I was so frustrated because the final mile felt that it would never end. As I came into town, Dana and Dave were at Pine House Cafe and they gave me a round of applause. That made me feel so good. An ex-pat Frenchman and his wife run the place. So laid back. The French Open was playing on the huge big screen at the bar. I sat with the guys and discussed our days and our plans. I realized too late I didn’t get their contact info.
I then got a space in a tiny home hostel. It held 4 people in 2 loft spaces. A young couple shared the other loft. I got my shower then did laundry. Then I went over to another restaurant because the French place closed for the day. It was a mistake. It was fun but there was just too much food. I could barely eat any of it. After I got back a Brit from Reading named Andy came and shared the mattress beside me. The tiny home was poorly built and with every movement it felt like I was back in Los Angeles going through a minor earthquake.
