A lot of things happened in 300 miles. Too many stories to tell in this blog.
We seem to be doing 20+ mile days now. We hike fast too, about 3+ mph. As you hike you hear rumors of what's to come. Too many rumors. Leaving Big Bear we heard of a hot spring along the trail in a few days. Getting there we learn it's a clothing optional hippy hot spring.
I met one person sitting cross legged in a hot pool. He was a poet. He explained to me that the meaning of a poem is only meant for the writer. The goal is to show the emotion of your feeling within the words. The readers of the poem gain their own meaning from the emotion of the poet.
I almost lost my group that day. It was hard to leave that place. I almost burned all my clothes, became a hippy, and never left. There were 4 different hot pools of varying temperature. There was a slack line traversing across the cool river flowing by. Hot and cold. My feet have never felt better.
Days later we arrived at a beautiful oasis. It had 2 golden, towering arches. It was a hot day and it kept us cool. We ordered Big Macs and milk shakes, waiting for the day to cool down before we continued our hike.
After 7 hours inside McDonald's we hiked 18 more miles into the cold dark. This was my first night hike.
There is a plant known as the Poodle Dog Bush. It's a daily conversation among hikers. This plant is just like poison ivy. We first found it during that night hike. It covered the trail, sometimes looming over or hiding by your ankles. We ducked and dodged for a few miles in a mine field of twisting poodle dog.
In Wrightwood we got an immediate hitch from a wonderful person. Amy drove to town, let us sleep at her place, did our laundry, and took us to town for dinner. Amy and Brian were amazing trail angels. We started the hike the next day feeling fully refreshed and loving humanity.
Later in Agua Dulce, Brian and Amy contact us again. Brian has a small 2 person aerobatic plane in Agua Dulce. They had hosted me, Goldfish, Weta, and Badmash. Now they wanted to take each of us for a plane ride! During our zero day in Agua Dulce, we each spent a short time flying and spinning high in the sky. Truly the best trail magic we will ever receive.
Now in Tehachapi, our group has divided. The Sierras are a week away. I've ordered my ice axe. I'm excited and terrified of the coming snow.
