The day started at 1:30am. I was packed and on the trail by 2:20am. I was determined to get to Pine Springs on time for lunch. An Adventist lunch (if you know, you know). The steep and craggy and hot way up to DeBenedetti’s now seemed easy and fast on the way down back to the trail. I was moving well.
It was going to be up, up, up the whole way. DeBenedetti’s is at 3,543ft. Highway 74 – where Carmen was going to pick me up – is at 4,922ft. But I was doing well…at least for me in my condition.
I trudged along but I was happy. I even jogged when I could take advantage of descents with smooth paths. My ETA evolved over time. At first I didn’t think I would make lunch, but in the end I made it to the gate to Hwy 74 around 10:30am. 16.4 trail miles plus the 3/4 miles extra from DeBenedetti’s.
I contacted Carmen and she was surprised I got in so early. I put up my sun umbrella and waited by the PCT sign. I was so thankful to rest.
In no time I was at PSR. As I walked in I did receive a few inquisitive looks from the group that was staying there that weekend. Such great people. They however were dressed in their Sabbath attire while I looked…a mess wearing my hiking uniform – sun hoodie, shorts, trail shoes with protective gaiters – and was carrying weird things like a huge backpack and trekking poles. Carmen was so kind. She got me a room, a WiFi connection and let me know to come to staff lunch at 12:30. I then started the process of trying to get clean. That was a huge challenge as my body didn’t want to give up its dirt. I then took a little nap.
Lunch was AMAZING. The food was delicious but the company was even better. A staff couple whom I know (they are from my hometown in Michigan) was there. It was good to see them and chat about the trail.
I was able to rest a bit and then I helped a pastor friend in Hawaii by doing a call-in interview for his congregation about my experiences on the trail and how they relate to our spiritual journeys. Then I had my weekly family Zoom meeting – so great! So needed.
My friend Janet and her sister Barbara came later and somehow Anita came too – there was a misunderstanding about going for a hike. It was so good to see them all. Anita gave me some of her trail treats including these strange looking 1/8 inch thick 2.5 inch wide discs made of only fruit and nuts by Trader Joe’s. They look like thin hockey pucks – but I found out later on trail how GREAT these are – so good – plus a hiker friendly form factor. Unfortunately, I think they are discontinued now.
Bed time.