Freezing in the morning when I woke up as the storm continued with freezing temps. Steady incline all day on rocky trail ended up in the tiny community of mt Laguna. Endless low mountains beautiful greenery and boulders. Felt like the backcountry. Short day and had lunch at a French restaurant, one of two restaurants in town. Tomato soup and pulled pork. Diet Coke of course. Was planning to stay in the campground but with 20s again I broke the bank and got a room in Laguna lodge. Everyone I had been hiking close to that day also stayed. Dried everything out and had a warm sleep and shower. Today miles 10 Total miles 42 Today steps Total steps
Long day as I bypassed my 11 mile campground plan at boulder oaks. Ended up going 17 to Fred Canyon tent site. Ego got the best of me as I felt good and hiked in what turned out to be a nasty storm. Funny they call this the hot desert section. The Laguna mountains are around 6000 ft and the day and night was in the 20’s to 30’s. Hiked all afternoon in sleet. Prayers must have paid off, as it stopped long enough for me to set up my tent late in the day. My 20 degree sleeping bag felt like it was a 40 degree, didn’t sleep at all with the cold. Up Hauser Creek was a nice way to get the day started , 2.5 up steep trail but had breakfast at a tiny restaurant on Lake Morena campgroundas the payoff. As I was walking to the campground restroom (one less hole to dig), a large organized group of PCT section hikers were nearby. One shouted to be “heh youre going the wrong way”. I said how do you know where im going? I’ll be nicer in the future.Seems to me most people are hiking solo or with a friend/spouse.
Collin was able to be in San Diego after his semester ended and take me to the trailhead. Grace couldn’t make it as she was ill. Little chilly and a great day for some hiking. I thought the trail was a bit rocky. Camped at Hauser Creek which is a popular first day stop at water. About 15 other tents. I filtered some water at the creek and had a good nights sleep I was worried that this old man would keep everyone up snoring. Not so fast webmd, lots of 20 and 30 year olds snore too. 37,232 steps and 15 miles for the day.
Photo details: Gear Food Base weight is 15 lbs Food avg weight 5lbs (max 9) Water weight average 4lbs (max 8.8)
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