April 23, Day 25, kilometer 343
Today we broke camp late because we wanted to take the time to update our blog.
After 6 kilometers we reached the huge valley separating the San Jacinto mountains from the desert-like San Gorgonio mountains. Interstate 10 runs through this valley, which is dotted with hundreds of wind turbines. The PCT passes under an interstate bridge. At the foot of the mountain, after 25 long kilometers, we finally had the opportunity to fill up our water supplies. (Note from the translator: the sign on the water source is confusing not just to our intrepid hikers! I have no idea what that means, other than try not to be wasteful.)
Shortly after, on the outskirts of a small residential area, we took a break on a park bench next to an artful signpost (see pics).
After several sudorific kilometers in 93 degrees Fahrenheit and our first encounter with a horny toad (see pic), we experienced a marvelous surprise. Standing next to her car by the side of a lonely country road was Trail Angel Vera, all dressed in pink, treating tired trail hikers to cold drinks, fruit, and sweets (see pics). She also dispenses pharmaceuticals and all manner of bandages, as needed. Vera, who has been married three times and is very devout, has been doing Trail Magic since last year. She'd been standing there for over 10 hours, during which time about 30 thru-hikers had passed. Fantastic!
Thus fortified, we reached the interstate underpass 6 kilometers later, where Trail Angel Mama Bear offered refreshments to PCT hikers! Four years ago, her husband had hiked the PCT, but had had to give up due to exhaustion. Mama Bear had met him, bringing food and drink. Since her husband’s death last year, she regularly returns to the interstate underpass to provide refreshments to hikers, which in turn helps her deal with her grief. Two trail angels in one day! A premiere for us. We enjoyed a pleasant gathering of hikers in the cool shade of the interstate bridge (see pics). We continue to be amazed at the support hikers receive. This is a very different America than the trumpeters in Washington.
(A note from the translator: THIS translator is very glad to hear this! And very much hopes the trumpeters are a passing phenomenon...)
Well fortified, we set out just before sundown to take advantage of the evening’s coolness to make some headway on the trail. In the dark, we encountered another scorpion in the middle of the path – right after we'd discussed whether we ought to sleep under the stars because it was so late. On second thoughts, we decided to pitch our tent.
Our next goal after 7 km was Mesa Wind Farm. The PCT passes through the company’s premises: not only do hikers have permission to camp here, but during work hours, hikers may fortify themselves with coffee, ice cream, candy bars, etc. , as well as use the company’s sanitary facilities. We’re looking forward to this tomorrow morning. It also saves us gas: we still have at least 4 days to Big Bear, and our supplies are low. Now we’re lying in our tent; it's nearly 11 pm. We have no internet reception here, so we’ll have to post this blog later – we’re counting on the company’s wifi. Meanwhile, the wind turbines' susurration cradles us into sweet sleep.
Pictures