Day 21

PCT mile 356.2 to 363.4 + 2.5 miles off trail into Wrightwood.

PCT miles 7.4

Woke after very little sleep due to high winds. Crazy wind! Sunrise was lovely and remaining climb was slow - Chris was feeling a cold coming on and running on empty due to lack of sleep.

After a slow 7 miles up the mountain we finally arrived at the turnoff to Wrightwood and started down the long steep Acorn Trail to town. During our descent, several day hikers passed us and each with a cherry and bright ‘Welcome to Wrightwood!’ Chris started feeling better. Perhaps the friendly locals or the thought of a cup of tea, shower and bed.

We entered lovely Wrightwood and started walking down residential streets passed what looked like a combination of second homes and full- time residences. One home had hundreds (!) of yellow and red tulips in bloom. Chris was really perked up now with a spring in her step. Tulips are one of favorite flowers.

When were were only a few blocks from the business section of Wrightwood a truck pulled over and the driver asked if we wanted a ride. We said sure (we have learned not to turn down rides in towns!) and met Tony Ignacio. He said he saw us walking past his house - the first one the trail meets when entering residential area. The first thing he (Tony) said to Rick was, ‘Are you a climber?’ Tony said Rick looked like a climber, which Rick was (avid) until Chris said ‘no more’ after watching a scary no-protection climb almost 38 years ago. It was a bit of a strange comment. So, Rick looks like a climber and Chris looks homeless? She’s still fretting.

Tony is an interesting character who said he has a cabin on his property if we don’t have anywhere to stay. Chris told him that we already had reservations, but we took his number to give to other hikers looking for accommodations. With so many people on the trail this year (wonder how many have permits?), the hotel/motel accommodations are often full even 3 days out.

We ate breakfast at the Grizzly Cafe, picked up resupplies, and made our way to the Canyon Creek Inn. We met Buttshot, real name Christine, waiting outside. She had an impressively organized pack! Chris now thinks her less organized and sloppy pack is driving that ‘homeless’ comment... Buttshot hiked the Appalachian trail and got poison oak so badly that she had to go to the emergency room. While there being treated, her trail buddies called just as she was getting a butt - shot. Anyway, Buttshot said the owner of the Inn texts code for entry into the room. Chris texted owner for the code and she texted that our reservation didn’t go through and they were booked for the night. Wild! Chris had text exchange from owner confirming. The other Christine made reservation for the same room yesterday, so we think there was a mixup because of two Christines. Who knows. Fate.

So, we pulled out Tony’s number and he drove down to pick us up. He and his wife and daughter have a beautiful 5 acre parcel at the top of town - first house next to trail. He introduced us to his two standard poodles and then showed us around.

A character. While the cottage was cute, it had no running water or bed. There was a small pullout couch, so we opted to sleep on the floor (fine). Showers were taken in an outdoor shower, which was fun, but the lack of water (he’s working on it!) was a drag. Buckets to flush, etc. House is in got a killer location and lots of charm, but maybe not quite ready for prime time just yet. We always shoot for getting a campsite with running water near by - especially in town.