Days 13-15

Day 13: 11.3 Miles (179.4-186.6)

Today was one of, if not the best, day on trail. We climbed 4,500 feet which got us to the summit of San Jacinto mountain. We walked through snow and enjoyed lunch and a summit beer at the top.

After a rather quick 4pm siesta, we headed down. We caught a magical sunset as we walked the ridge line and got into camp at 7:30, just in time to set up tents and cook.

The calf held up amazingly and I'm super grateful for that and excited for what's to come.

Day 14: 19.1 Miles (186.6-205.7)

Today was a long day. We hit 22 miles but only 19 on trail, as we had a few detours. We saw 7 rattlesnakes, hiked down 7,400+ feet in elevation and dealt with 80 degree heat.

We hitched into Cabazon and got some In N Out and then got in to bed, where it's 70 degrees currently at 1,750 feet, with a low of 62 at night. Last night it was 32 degrees at 9,000 feet. Big climbs over the next few days as we it the infamous Mission Creek.

Day 15: 12.8 Miles (205.7-218.5)

Today I made it to just before mission creek. It was 90 degrees today and the sun beat down on every step. We siesta'd from 12:30-2 to wait out a little of the heat. I'm realizing I prefer heat (70 at night) over cold (30 degrees). This seems to be a hot (no pun intended) take out here.

At 218.5 we swam in the river and then cooked dinner. The group wanted to push on another 5 miles and I told them to go ahead. This is my first night without Mango, Crow and Jukebox. However, Crow has a deadline to meet and I don't. It was a long time coming, I'm taking it at my own pace. I've still got loads of friends behind me and will probably end up hiking with them.

It feels surprisingly nice to spend the night alone.

Looking forward to climbing mission creek tomorrow, a river that flooded during hurricane and washed the trail away. It'll take some route improvising during the 7K foot climb.

Days 13-15 stats: