May 22, 2024 - Day 5

Woke up this morning with intentions of an easy hike in the AM and hitching it to Julian for lunch, a shower, and some r&r. Made it to Julian before 10:30 and headed to an American Legion where they let us shower, relax, wash some clothes, and lounge. Before we made it there, we ate at Moms Pies as we heard we get a free slice of pie, ice cream, and a free drink. Our first PCT discount.

Found Daniel from Germany waiting at the American Legion and caught up with him. He had to hitch out of the desert as he couldn’t keep anything down but seems to be doing a lot better. Hope to see him out on the trail again.

After knocking out some chores, we headed to Julian Beer Company and had some amazing cold beer and pizza. Met Coffee Break at the brewery and exchanged stories. A 50 year old who did the hike in 2017. Such an old school LA skater. Great guy and hope to see him on trail again. Saw Socks, Self Made, and Goblin at the American Legion and then headed to a gear store to resupply before hitching out back to the trail head. Hit a ride from a lady by the name of Veronica who might have been driving 105 mph to get us back to the start. Met Goblin, Self Made, and Socks at the highway underpass below highway 78, filled up at the water cache and walked in the late evening, hiked by Mike, Fill Up, and two others whos name I didn’t catch.

Had some dinner and now cowboy camping under the desert sky.