Days 20-24

Day 20: 26.2 miles (267.8-294)

Today was my first marathon day. After getting up early, I hiked 10 miles where I saw Patches on my snack break. We eventually carried on to set up camp at 294. Too tired to type anymore. My resting heart rate is now in the 50's, cool to see my body adapting after only 3 weeks.

Day 21: 20.3 Miles (294-314.3

Today was hot springs day. After hiking 15 miles we reached the hot springs. The pools were scorching hot and the river was cold, but it was 85 out and the cold river felt great.

There were about 30 people there and as a group we decided to carry on another 6 miles and reached the Joshua Inn, which was 2 miles off trail. We got to sleep in the yard and enjoyed recharging our devices and hanging out. Folks had meatball subs and I DoorDashed chipotle.   

Day 22: 21.4 miles (314.3-335.7)

After getting terrible sleep, we hitched back from Joshua inn and hit the trail again. We had a picnic spot 12 miles in that everyone was going to meet at for lunch. Around mile 10, we crossed a road. I said to Patches, semi-joking "want to hitch the next 2 miles" and next thing I know, Patches flags down a jeep truck and we're at the picnic area.

After a small lunch at the picnic area on the lake, I challenge Patches to get us a hitch on a boat. 30 minutes later, we're on a boat going across the lake, skipping 2 more miles.

The day ended with a beautiful sunset and 7 more miles. It was warm and I was craving a warm night now that we are down to 3,000 feet in elevation.

Day 23: 11.5 miles (335.7-347.2)

McDonald's day.

Today we hiked 6 miles and crossed under I-15 at Cajon Pass. We got to McDonald's under the pass at 10:30am and hung out until 4pm to beat the heat. It was 87 degrees out. Everyone fueled up on McDonalds while i, again, door dashed chiptole.

After leaving at 4pm we made it to camp around 6:30pm. We filled up our waters, cowboy camped and prepared for the 17 mile, 5,900 foot climb we had to town tomorrow.

Day 24: 19.8 miles (347.2-367)

Town day. Today we made it to town after a long ~20 miles of hiking. The climb was 17 miles, so we got an early start at 6am. The heat got more manageable as we climbed higher in elevation and the breeze picked up.

After getting to town at 5pm, I devoured 2 gluten free pizzas, a pint of ice cream and went to bed. Tomorrow is a full zero in town to resupply and chill. Much needed.

Days 20-24 stats: