A Big Bear

Our hikers have truly gained some ground this past week having covered over 100 miles since their decent from Idyllwild, CA.  After a couple days rest and replenishing supplies, they left the campground and

descended upon the valley floor a meer 6,000 ft below on the 21st of May.

  Here are a few shots as they followed the trail on the descent.

 The trail ahead.

 Decending Black Mountain and the view of Cabazon Valley below...

Looking back from where they came.

During a break and to help past the time Allan makes this trail slingshot.

Great pose too!

Not many pictures were taken as the heat and their eagerness to hit the valley floor overtook the need for site seeing.  Finally reaching Cabazon, their first stop brings them to trail angels Lance and Tracy

 where our hikers get to cool off in the shade and enjoy a beverage and fresh oranges.

The temp in the Cabazon Valley was 105 degrees.

The 22nd of May also brought our hikers to mile 200.

Pictured here with "Ziggy" another trail angel, our hikers are treated to dinner and an overnight stay.

Back on the trail and preparing the ascent up the San Gorgonio wilderness area and Big Bear mountain.  Allan and Austin look ready for the challenge.

Hiking into the San Gorgonio wilderness area and at mile 220, they were surprised by this crystal clear stream that invited a dip to cool off from the scorching heat.

After the break and on the trail once again.  Wind turbines scattered along the foothills and sagebrush.

Life is alive in the San Gorgonio.

Critters like this horned lizard run free. This one doesn't appear to be very happy having his picture taken, lol.

This tree that I believe is a Dogwood, stands alone on the trail side.

Here's a great shot of Allan as they ascend up a rocky section of trail.

High atop the mountain the valley is barely visible.

A couch, cooler, and cold beverages invite our hikers.  Amy and Austin enjoy the rest.

Making it to Big Bear City in the San Bernardino mountains they met awesome trail angels Mountain Mama and Papa Smurf...

who took them in for the night, let them do their laundry, shower, 

and best of all... 

treated them to a hearty meal.

The following morning as they hike high above the tree tops, the view of Big Bear Lake in the distance.

After a good rest and more than 20 miles further down the trail, this beautiful mid morning shot was taken by trail pal Austin.

Their first campfire of the trip.

Allan and Austin and a lil chow.

The nights sky.

Back on the trail with...

a Big Bear behind them 

and reaching mile

300

 Memorial Day

05.28.12

San Jacinto Conquered

The mid morning of 5.13.12 not only brought Amy and Allan their 100th mile mark, but a well deserved break from the trail.  Now they will hike what's left of the Anza Borrego Desert and began their ascent of the San Jacinto Mountains to an elevation of more than 7,000 ft.

5.13.12. am

A shot of Allan as he rests in the shade to check his phone for messages.  One tough hombre!

Onward to the next destination.

The sun hangs low in the evenings sky

as the horizon forms silhouetted foothills ahead.

5.13.12. pm

Their excitement is not to be contained as they've arrive at Eagle Rock.

5.14.12. am

Having set up camp within the protection of Eagle Rock, Amy had no worries of intruders like those of Jack Rabbits, Prairie Dogs, or Snakes!  

With no pictures but this one of Allan having his morning java, it tells me that Amy was eager to get on the trail for their next stop...

where they took in a hearty breakfast...

and relaxed with trail pal Austin.

After breakfast, Amy took in a foot bath in Epson salt to help her aching and blistered feet.

Finishing breakfast and a soak, the hikers mill about Warner Springs, CA...

and stop to "Smell the Roses".

After showering and while washing clothes, drenching herself from head to toe behind the post office.

(she texted "It felt sooooo good!")

All refreshed and having another high fat/protein meal to keep their energy for the trail ahead,

the trail crew must say goodbye to a pair of sweet volunteers and the great cooks who made their breakfast and lunch memorable...

Colletta and Nancy

Back on the trail to Riverside County line 20 miles ahead

5.14.12. pm

Insects came into play along the trail with Horseflies being the worst, so our hikes shielded them off their faces with these netted bucket hats.

129 miles behind them and having just hiked 15 miles camp is set on picturesque Comb's Peak.

5.15. and 5.16. 

A few shots along the trail as phone reception was very limited.

Sunrise on Combs Peak

Another trail friend greets us

Tule Springs, here they drank, hosed themselves down, washed clothes, and rested in the shade.

5.17.12. Midday

First contact in nearly two days, what a relief.  Here they hook up with Anza, CA local Todd Morse of Thistle OmniPresentation, a screen printer who offered them up a ride to the towns post office and the 6 mile ride back to the trail.

 Amy said "Todd was such a cool guy who make some very cool screen print T's, and was so generous in taking the time to help us out".

5.17.12. pm

Back on the trail and on the way to Paradise Valley, CA

Paradise Valley Cafe

for a cold drink and a little snack.

(I'm more impressed with the stash then the burger! Love it!)

Cindy at the Paradise Cafe

"She was the sweetest, nice.  Made us feel very welcomed and let us hang out in the AC'd cafe for hours."

5.18.-19.12

Ascending the San Jacinto Mountains from the south Palm Springs is seen in the distance.

Natures jewels

Trail friend our hikers named "Jacinto"

A sweet surprise

Hiking up Spitler's Peak with an altitude of 7,440 ft. was some of the toughest hike with several cutbacks and such a steep climb, hiking took up a crawl.

Camp was set up for the night.

5.20.12. am

Morning sunrise on Spitler's Peak.

178 miles down, next destination...

Idyllwild, CA

See you next week and thanks for stopping by to visit!