Wish I Were There

5.28.12

Little Bear Creek San Bernardino Mtns.

Long shadows are cast as our hikers head north the morning of 5.29.12

The sun peaks above the San Bernardino Mountain range looking south and provides the shot of our hikers shadows above.

The mornings cool air lends to some entertainment.

  

The hike between Big Bear Lake and Silverwood Lake was extreme in that the temps ranged in the triple digits.  Here they take a break in the shade before they continue on... 

and water sources like Grass Valley Creek provided much needed hydration.

They reach their destination at Silverwood Recreation area about 8:00 pm on 5.29.12 and set up camp at the base of Cedar Springs Dam.

Onto the trail on 5.30.12 Amy called as she was so excited to find this wonderful surprise of fresh fruit, bottled water, and a carton of hard boiled eggs.  You just gotta love those trail angels!

They reach the top of the Silverwood Lakes rim and Amy is excited as she know a cool dip awaits her.

After a dip, laundry, and some eats, it's back to the trail and another trail greeter.  A very long greeting I might add!

Here's a beautiful panoramic shot of Amy and Silverwood Lake just before they leave it behind on their descent to the valley floor.

After miles of trail they near the valley floor at Cajon pass.  Ahead in the distance and just right of center is I-15 the Mojave Barstow freeway to Vegas.

The sun high in the sky and headed NW.  Ralston Peak, Lytle Creek Ridge, and Mt. Baldy provide a stunning picture and lends to what awaits ahead.

Centuries old wind carved walls help guide them.

Rock formations near Cajon.

After a brutal 18 mile hike through the Cajon Pass desert two welcoming sights emerge.

Interstate Freeway 15...

and this sign.  Yes, that is a McDonalds restaurant!

The heat, sweat, and constant rubbing of her backpack took it's toll through the desert.

Now they take a well deserved break.

5.31.12 am

Our hikers now have behind them 332 miles and have but a mere 2326 to go.  Welcome to PCT.

Thinking 22 miles until the next drink, 5 miles into the mornings hike, trail angels again surprise with Calistoga Sparkling Water.  A special thanks go out to Trailratz of the Swarthout Canyon, John, Dave, and Steve.

A look back at I-15 and Cajon Pass as they begin to ascend the San Gabriel and Angeles mtn range.

6.1.12 am

Looking east as the sun rises at 5:00 am.  Not a cloud in the sky.

Our hikers wanted to make ground before the heat set in and about 6 miles from Wrightwood a local by the name of Peter stopped to give our hikers a ride...

and drove them to a nice little place called Pines Hotel and these wonderful cabins...

into and around town.  What a Guy!

Here are some random pics taken along the trail...

Amy and Austin

6.1.12 pm

6.2.12

We leave you with this...

373 down and 2277 to go as they sit...

high atop the Angeles National Forest.

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