May 10, 2013
8 miles to Paradise Café Burger
Near the road to Julian before the big climb up into the mountains above Warner Springs
Woke up dry, which places the day in the good category for backpacking purposes. As the rain was strong yesterday, the first view of the day is upward. Blue skies, so appreciated, as their contrast is in such recent memory.
Packed up, geared up and ate breakfast, a 20-minute process. Then took off. The pace accelerated as the distance was short. Speed is relative, and moving along at 4 mph can feel like going over a sudden hump hill in a car. Whoa.
(l to r) Steve Halteman aka Blaster and Red Beard overlooking the climb to Warner Springs
Sags was a little late for the rendezvous, so we boogeyed down to the Paradise Café a mile away for a breakfast burrito, hamburger and bread pudding washed down with breakfast beers. During the feed, Sags arrived driving an Audi A4 sedan. Seeing the six of us, and our backpacks sardined into the Audi caused several patrons to stop eating and start snapping. The drop from alpine to low desert on the aptly named Pines to Palms Hwy was a heat homecoming for me.
Civilization – Palm Springs
Our arrival at a modern American home rendered the group temporarily mute. Memory of comfort returned quickly as we caught up on resupply, laundry, personal hygiene, swimming pools and beer. Watched a double feature of Blazing Saddles and a French film called The Intouchables. Good night and day contrast. The later film was off the charts good, capturing the bond of an unusual friendship.
Then all to their sleeping corners with a good movie buzz and bellies full of Seattle Hot Mammas.
Don’t ask.
Steve Halteman
On the Pacific Crest Trail
Hiking the PCT for the Kids of Escuela Verde
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