Mile 341.9 to Mile 362.1

My alarm went off at 4:30... snooze... 5:00...snooze...5:30...snooze... 6:00 finally out of bed and out of hotel by 6:15... pretty sure Nathan and his dad would of left without me... I crossed the now calm hwy and headed back to trail... I stopped again at McDonald’s and got a sausage biscuit and coffee ... and again eating in the parking lot was offered some cash.... the people in Cajon are really generous... I politely told the family I was hiking, but thank you....

I made It back to trail and crossed under the interstate and there was Nathan... bags under his eyes packing up camp... his dad had started early- but the trains and cars had kept him up all night and he was just getting going... we hiked through a few tunnels... watched the morning trains (multiple train track crossings In this area) ... quickly caught up to his dad and eventually made it to a great water cache at Swarthout Canyon -maintained by the trail angels of wrightwood - shade! chairs with backs! Gallons of water! And bonus pct class of 2021 stickers...

Sitting at the Cache was thru-hiker Judy - that I haven’t seen since around mile 97.... sadly she had taken a fall and bruised or broken a rib and was waiting for a ride from some day hikers.... she is one tough lady, so I felt so bad for her... and wished her good news...

I also noticed in the trail register there that Jenny and Eric, who I really enjoy (last seen at Paradise Valley Cafe) had signed the register that morning.... motivation to catch up with them and get caught up on their hike!

I had 6 liters of water (with Scout’s warning that was 12+ lbs of waterweight, probably a little overkill... but water is important) - we set out for the 15 mile climb up to 8000 feet. It was amazing views and some super cool rock formations for most of the day... we were also blessed in the morning with some fog that rolled in to keep the temps cooler....

Nathan and I hiked most of the day together, which was a nice change of pace ... he even helped me learn how to change my pace/stride on the bigger climb parts to make them easier... I have also felt my legs are so much stronger as gains that would have required rest for me two weeks ago come and go pretty easily now.... we took an hour break at our intended camp spot from 4-5 and decided to push a little further... it was 5.5 miles To the next listed campsite, which would be the first chance for water as there was reported snow patches- but since we were both good on water and prepared to dry camp... we decided to just go a little farther and surely, there would be something....

We were wrong... by the time the sun was going down... and since we were drenched in sweat from the day and now much higher in elevation.... things got cold fast... we were on a ridgeline and pretty much forced to commit to the entire 5.5 miles...

I was leading our way... staying positive... Nathan seemed to be fading... so I was doing my best...

The last .5 mile I looked at Nathan and said I am tired... and he took charge of being the optimistic member of our team... it was a long .5 mile... but I heard him give a shout of joy when he reached the flat ground a bit ahead of me.... and I cheered as I came up behind him.... we quieted quickly noticing a tent there (it was 8pm... way after hiker bedtimes)... but excitedly I noticed it was Jenny and Eric’s tent... and we said quick hello’s....

Set up camp quickly... scarfed down another pb&j and tried to warm up from the cold air and wind that had rolled in.

I fell asleep exhausted, but full of accomplishment....