Big Bear Lake for Easter Sunday

I pulled off the trail today to go to worship on Easter Sunday.  I have extra time on my hands, so I thought the opportunity could not be passed.

Spring continues to erupt throughout southern California, and a friend of mine reminded me of the significance of this time through the words of Martin Luther who said: "Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf of spring time."  Of course the resurrection of Christ is central in the promise, but it is the 'ordinary' things in life that remind me of that great gift.  Yes, even the small, but colorful phlox ring out resurrection, even in a seemingly barren, desert landscape.

I am staying at the Big Bear Hostel here in Big Bear Lake, California.  I have the whole place to myself!  A hiker named Ari was here earlier today, but he left the trail to go to Los Angeles, and eventually to the Grand Canyon.  He said he could not handle the southern California desert sections, and was tired of the exposed sections of the trail.  I was puzzled to understand why he was leaving the trail, as I am really enjoying the desert environs.

I head out tomorrow after Sunday services.  I only have another 56-miles to hike by Wednesday morning, so I still have time to kill.  Therefore, I purchased a pair of hand loppers, and I will do some maintenance on the trail as I hike.  I thought I might as well take care of some of those stupid branches that cause us hikers to stumble or get caught in our eyelids.

Happy Easter everyone!

At the Saufley's in Agua Dulce

I have been staying at Donna Saufley's place (Hiker Heaven) in Agua Dulce for the last day, and I am enjoying my section hike on the PCT.  Section E was wonderful, and filled with poppies, water, and fair weather.  I am tackling Section C next, and I begin hiking at Cajon Pass tomorrow.  I am tackling Section C, because the re-route around Deep Creek is shorter than the huge 60-mile re-route that goes around the Station Fire burn area.  I leave tomorrow, and I will be on the trail for the next 132-miles.  Yipee!  Happy Trails.

Poppies are in Bloom in the Antelope Valley of California

Off the Appalachian Trail... Being FED on the Pacific Crest Trail

Found and Freefall at Elk Park (19E)

I finished my 400-mile stretch on the Appalachian Trail on April 3rd, so I could fly to California for an interview with the Pacific Crest Trail Association.  I am happy to be off the AT.

There are things that I really appreciate about the Appalachian Trail, but I am resolved that the trail is brutal on the knees, hips, ankles, and every joint below the torso... seriously.  The tread on the AT is rocks, roots, log steps, and mud.  I am not sure the trail has to be that way.  I think there must be a culture of machismo among the trail clubs that leave the trail in such a state of... blech!

I am now on the Pacific Crest Trail, and I am enjoying that better tread, grades, and weather.  The PCT is a hiker's trail.  Distant views are abundant along the trail, there's a sense of wilderness, and at this time of year, there's nobody out here.  I have this trail all to myself - it's a great feeling!

Abundant views are on the Pacific Crest Trail!

I just finished hiking Section F (Walker Pass to Hwy 58), and I am taking a day off in Tehachapi to rest.  I hobbled into town with an ingrown toenail, which I removed last night (don't ask!).  I also discovered a tick under my armpit while I was showering last night.  How long had that thing been there?  Due to a bad childhood memory, I absolutely hate ticks.  Anyway, that problem has been resolved too.

I am looking to also hike section E and D while I am out here.  Section E travels through the western arm of the Mojave Desert, which should be nice due to cooler temperatures.  Section D travels through the San Gabriels and up over Mt. Baden Powell, which should be adventurous.  A little bird told me that Section D might be closed due to a previous fire, so I may end up doing Section C instead.  I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

Hike on!