Morning:

DIRT EVERYWHERE (it might have something to do with the high winds and no rain fly combo).

My tent is almost 6 feet lower than where I set it up (gravity strikes again!).

Another tent pole broke (I assume during the slide down the hill).

Afternoon:

Uphill and hot all day, but the three water caches saved me.

Evening:

FIRST CAMPFIRE

Awesome campfire hangout with Wild Bill, Party Boy, Jon, and Dusty.

17 miles today. 

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Where my tent was last night vs this morning:

Nice view:

Beautiful Mountains:

 
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Video:

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Hotel check out at 11am. Latest start yet. Unfortunately, it was so hot that I still had to take a midday break to escape the strong sun. 

Pretty low morale towards the late afternoon, and decided to just end the day.

11 miles… this probably won’t turn out well. 

Tunnel vision:

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Video:

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Day 27:

EAT 

SLEEP

IMAGINATE

Was definitely a different sort of rest day without a book. But I kept myself company and did just fine.

I did a bit of blessings meditation that I learned from the book “Happiness Is An Inside Job” (by Sylvia Boorstein). Pretty much, this just involves picturing the people that you care about (including yourself) and wishing them well. I often use the phrases provided in the book: “May you feel strong. May you feel safe. May you be content. May you live with ease.”

I also spent a good amount of time visualizing conversations that I have had, would like to have, and will never have. Very interesting exercise. 

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Day 28:

Started hiking at 7am.

Met another Floridian! (Jonathan)

We hiked together for a while and then we came upon some trail magic! Chocolate milk, apples, raisins, and graham crackers! YUM

And we’re hiking…

Eventually, we took a break at a lake that was very popular with the locals (I assume partly due to Memorial Day weekend). 

Finished the day hiking with a guy called “Chocolate Milk.” He earned the name by drinking at least half a gallon of chocolate milk in every town. 

I went into a gas station and pretty much bought every snack I could, checked into the hotel, showered, ate, and went to bed (in a real bed!).

Islands of adventure:

What scenery! (And wind):

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Video:

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As I was packing up camp, a retired cop turned hiker (who goes by the name Robocop) took a break in the nearby shade and we had a nice chat. 

Much less pain today! Woohoo!

Refilled water near the clothing optional deep creek hot springs. Apparently, only men over the age of fifty are aware of the clothing optional part… I decided to eat lunch somewhere else.

SUPER HOT. I carried 5 liters so that I would have enough to last through Sunday morning. Water is heavy…

Found a really nice shady place to camp. (Although I did break a tent pole while pitching… Oops)

Cool looking bridge:

Selfie (in case you forgot what I looked like):

Found some water!:

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20 Miles today.

River crossings, new friends (Happy Feet and Peach), and podcasts. 

Only 2000 miles to go? (I guess they round down):

Even for a second listen, this podcast profoundly resonated with me (the first was while I was herding sheep on a farm in Israel). If you know me, or if you can just imagine the setting I was in for each listen (farm and wilderness), I’m sure you can see why:

Reppin’ the 305 at mile 305:

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Video:

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“Oh Craaaaaa….”

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Day 23:

Didn’t set an alarm this morning. Felt nice to wake up naturally.

Strolled the 3 miles to the highway.

Hitchhiked into town. A super nice BMW pulled over for me and I thought “serial killers don’t drive nice cars,” so I hopped in! Bill introduced himself and we chatted for the whole ride into Big Bear Lake; about the PCT, upcoming weather, his five dogs, and the Big Bear area. 

Then he mentioned that he was on his way to Big Bear City when he picked me up. But wait, Big Bear Lake is 10 minutes past Big Bear City. So this guy is going 20 minutes out of his way for me? WHY? WHY ARE PEOPLE SO NICE? I DONT GET IT.

(I sincerely appreciate it, but I honestly don’t get it)

He dropped me off at the FRONT DOOR of the Big Bear Hostel, and I profusely thanked him (didn’t know what else to offer.)

Checked in. Super cool place. 

Good news is I have increased my pace, so I don’t need as many days worth of food. I mailed 4 days of goodies from my resupply ahead to my future self, and I FINALLY sent some stuff home to lower my weight. In the box was a fleece jacket, wool socks, and a book (soon to be replaced). I felt compelled to do so since I’m getting an umbrella soon to combat the Mojave Desert Sun, and I promised myself I wouldn’t let my bag get any heavier. So, it’s not much, but hey, weight is weight.

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Day 24:

Took a shuttle back to the trail in the morning. Started hiking by 8:30am. Still made 19 miles by the day’s end.

All I can say is SHIN PAIN. Unfortunately, it was hard to pay attention to anything else.

Siesta:

Towering Trees:

Spotted some deer! (After they spotted me):

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Video:

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7 am start.

Wasn’t feeling so strong, so I listened to music to keep me motivated. This was the first time I listened to music while hiking. Pretty cool that my internal dialogue kept me entertained for 20+ days.

Definitely felt a morale boost as I approached the intersection of the dirt road I was on with the PCT.

And then…

I MADE IT. BACK ON TRAIL. BEST FEELING EVER.

Camped at mile 263 after a 15 mile day. Only 3 miles to Big Bear tomorrow. Woohoo!

Almost there:

Pretty view along the way:

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The publication of this video is inspired by the following quote:

“The moment that you feel that, just possibly, you’re walking down the street naked, exposing too much of your heart and your mind and what exists on the inside, showing too much of yourself. That’s the moment you may be starting to get it right.”

– Neil Gaiman

Video:

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Day 20:

Rest day!

You know the drill by now…

EAT 

SLEEP 

READ (this time it was “The Alchemist.” AMAZING BOOK)

Soaked in a warm bath and some Epsom salt Saturday night. Good stuff.

Day 21:

5am start! I’m getting good at this.

10 before 10! (10 miles by 10am, the best strategy for the desert).

Hiked through the coolest small towns! Looked like the Wild West. (Pioneertown and  Rimrock).

Met another hiker doing the walkaround: Sherlock! But we have very different hiking paces… He’s fast. 

After 20 miles, I stealth camped on the side of Burns Canyon Rd. 

Still on track:

Filled up water at a hiker friendly ranch/resort:

WALKED THEOUGH FIELDS OF TRUFFLA TREES FROM THE DR.SUESS STORY “THE LORAX.” In California they call them “Joshua Trees” for some reason:

Aren’t I so stealthy?:

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OUCH

I can barely walk. Any extension of my ankle greater than 90 degrees is excruciatingly painful. Definitely can’t hike today. My left shin has decided that for me.

Had to say goodbye to my hiking team. It was awesome crew, but I just couldn’t keep up.

But I used the day productively. Took a cab to the outdoor sports store with a supermarket across the street and stocked up (CARS ARE SO FAST).

Got back to the hotel, made food, and took care of my leg.

Shin care:

My attempt at Shabbat/Friday night dinner:

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