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

100

05.13.12 midday

Today, Mother's Day brought Amy and Allan to mile 100.

Congratulations!!

05.05.12 p.m.

The afternoon sun hanging high above casts long shadows.  

Funny sign encountered along the trail.

Having made it up the mountain the evening prior, our hikers arrived in El Rancerito/Laguna Mountain where camp was set and planned a 3 day stay while they awaited the arrival of their first package stop.

05.06.12 a.m.

Today proved to be a complete day of rest with no pictures (I think they slept all day into the next, hehe).

05.07.12 a.m.

Resting under the Ponderosa Pines

05.08.12 a.m.

Allan taking notes while taking in the mornings sun.

Enjoying the mornings meal with newfound trail friend Mark.

05.08.12 p.m.

An afternoon hike into the little town of Laguna Mountain to pick up their package at Laguna Mt. Sports and Supply...

and a little something to keep Amy warm on those cold spring nights.

Scouting around the camp area they find some interesting and large Grub

plus some penny pine cones (no room for that souvenir in the pack!)

 Our hikers settled in for the night as an early rise is important in beating the heat of the day that awaits them.

05.09.12 a.m.

Leaving the shade and cool of the alpine forest the backdrop reflects the altitude.

05.09.12 early evening

A 10 mile hike behind and hunt for tonights camp.

70 miles of the Anza Borrego desert still ahead.

05.10.12 a.m.

Back on the trails descent into the desert

In Loving Memory, memorial left overlooking the Anza Borrego Desert 6,000 ft below.

05.10.12 Late Morning

 

Desert brush lines the trail.

05.10.12 Mid Afternoon

A welcoming sight.

After a 7 mile stretch, water is filtered and replenished.

Having ate and rested, our hikers have 4 more miles to meet up with trail friends and camp for the night.

05.11.12 a.m.

Only 3 pics for the day as the scorching heat lended only to keep on the trail and make the 15.5 mile trek to the next checkpoint as quickly as possible.

So relieved to arrive here at the Stagecoach Resort

To grab some food and drink, have a good swim in the pool,

Then off to our cozy cots for the night.

05.12.12 a.m.

Allan and Mark chowing an early morning snack prepping for the days hike (it looks hot already at 6:30am).

13 miles to next water drop.  Hiking up Big Mt.

9 miles down 5 to go

Not much shade here

3:07pm hotter than...

thirsty as... well, you know.

After 14 mile of pure desert hell, a wonderful sign.

A trail angel water drop site.

Without these trail angels, the next water stop

would have been 24 miles.

Our hikers Christmas tree.

Another trail friend.

Week 2 and...

100 Miles behind them!

We are sooo Happy for You!!