Mile 144
(22 miles today)
Daisy and Jimmy
Woke up to grazing donkies. As I walked past Daisy I couldn’t resist myself. I gave her a scratch and whispered in her ear, “Do you realize he wants you to walk all the way to Chile?” She seemed untroubled by this news. Said our goodbyes to Pascal and invited him to stop by and pasture in my Costa Rican front yard when he passes that way!
Boulder Crop
Moved on through fields of resting boulders until a water stop at Hiker Mikes, a fine gentleman who has opened up his front yard and garage to passing hikers. R&R’d for longer than expected. Slack and Orbit played duets on the garage piano. I did pull ups on the outdoor gym and Red Beard and Doc discussed Doc’s shredded feet.
Slack and Orbit contemplating
Our little group is quite excited about upcoming events. Red Beard has access to a cabin in Palm Springs, the style of cabin that has a Jacuzzi, it being Palm Springs, of course. The plan is for Sags, a 2012 PCT thru hiker to pick us up at high noon on Friday on the Palm to Pines Highway. Then we’re off to our first shower in eight days. Not really necessary as I think we all smell like almonds at this point. Will take Saturday off to recharge and return to the trail Sunday.
Doc and Redbeard on trail
Left Hiker Mikes just as Pascal and Company arrived. Daisy was limping badly and Pascal planned to rest her at Hiker Mikes until she recovered. Pushed forward as the rain clouds intensified in the background. Made good time (3 mph) toward the Palm Springs Oasis. And then the rain came down upon the righteous and the unrighteous alike…Followed by hail. The desert is a curious place.
Canyon with Cottonwoods
Signed the register at a water catch around Mile 142. Doc was officially the 500th PCT hiker to pass the cache this hiking season. For that he won an all-expense paid nothing.
Walked on till we found an outstanding camping spot set among house-sized boulders and lightning. Found enough dried wood under boulder ledges to get the stove going. Not sure about my couscous, Japanese curry and tuna fish concoction, because I ate it before I tasted it. But the belly was full, the campfire stories good and a borrowed hiking pole prevented me from receiving a wet hug in the night.
Morning Home
Postscript: Z packs is sending a free, newer, stronger tent pole to Big Bear free of charge. Kudos.
Steve Halteman
On the Pacific Crest Trail
Hiking the PCT for the Kids of Escuela Verde
If you’d like to help out and donate, please click here!
This comment is for the WebMaster of Steve’s blog. To make it easier for people to donate to EV, put a ” Donate ” link in the line under Steve’s picture on the home page.
I will be pushing this to my network and would like to see EV benefit greatly
Hi Ross, Thanks for the suggestion. There is a link at the end of every post to the school’s donation page…I will definitely look into something more prominent, however! Thanks for caring and for helping out the school. I know Steve really appreciates it.
All the best, Cirina
Am really enjoying your pictures and stories. Looks like a great group who has a common goal. Glad you are getting a shower— I never did like the smell of “almonds” — Happy hiking!!!
Hola Steve ! I am hooked now that I have read the first week of your adventure. Keep the posts coming and the feet moving forward. Canada will be waiting your arrival..EH !