Days 20-23 More Detours and Day Hikers

May 25-28 Days 20-23
Mile 313.5-372.5 Mojave Dam to Near Wrightwood
Day 20 - Silverwood Lake
Jenna woke up with a slight headache and our tent was slightly wet from condensation. Because of this we decided to sleep in a little bit while letting the tent dry. As Jenna's head began to feel a little bit better we packed up and started the days walk. After a few miles we met Craig (Moose) stocking a water cache. We chatted with him for a bit and got some much needed water. We walked on in the wind and cold all while Jenna had a small migraine. We were lucky enough to find another cache with fresh fruit, water, and hard boiled eggs! Nate was really happy about the eggs.




It was a beautiful, but cold, walk today and we ended up a little bit past Silverwood Lake to sleep.




Day 21- An unexpected Journey
We woke up to rain at our Silverwood Lake camp spot. We got ready for stormy conditions and began our journey to Cajon Pass where an infamous fast food restaurant awaited us. The hike there was very windy and cold.








When we finally got there it was extremely crowded with people traveling to Vegas using the restrooms. In the crowd we spotted Stone & Pika. We ordered some food and chatted with them for several hours. As the four of us were getting ready to saddle up and hike some more, in stumbled Diesel, Rich, Alex, & Tusk. We decided to just spend the rest of the day there with everyone.




That night we hung out with all of them and made several trips for apple pie and other food. We slept about 400 ft from the fast food chain in a grove of trees near to the busy I15 freeway in a places we deemed "bum camp".








It was a very fun noisy night.
Day 22- Big Stomachs Big Miles
Today we woke up, packed our things up, and headed across the street for some food. We ate and departed from our friends to begin the days journey. We all joked about how much food we had ordered and were all kind of disgusted. We looked around though and most other people in the restaurant had ordered the same amount of food... As we were hiking that day Jenna and I both felt groggy and sick to our stomachs. This went on for most of the day. It was the fast food we ate that morning. We simply cannot eat there ever again. The effect the food has on people is very real, in a negative way. As we approached the San Andres fault we saw a water cache with water and chairs. We didn't need a rest or water so we continued on.




We had to take another detour as there was poodle dog bush right on trail. The detour followed right along by the pct on a dirt road. As we made our way up hill we entered the forests of the San Gabriel mountains. After an hour of hiking more than we wanted to we finally found a somewhat flat spot to sleep.




Day 23- Wrightwood Done Right: Marlyn & Maureen
As we woke up today we realized it was memorial day and that stores in Wrightwood may be closed. We hiked the quick six miles from Acorn Trail ( where we slept) down to Highway 2. On our way there we met three other through hikers, Natalie, blaze, & Backtrack. Also, as we got closer to highway 2 we passed a couple going for a morning hike. They were very friendly and asked if we would like some sour gummy worms and pretzels. We graciously excepted these gifts and went on our way, it completely made our day ( up to that point). We made it to Highway 2 and met Lester trying to get a hitch in to town. We sat down with him also trying to get a hitch. After ten minutes with seeing only 1 car that same couple that gave us the treats came down the trail and offered us a ride in to town. We took the offer. As we rode with them we found out their names were Marlyn & Maureen. They took us to the hardware store to get our resupply packages and then to their house to get cleaned up and to have some lunch. Maureen made us a delicious salad and some amazing spaghetti & meatballs. We also drank lots of water, coffee, and juice. We got to do our laundry and take a much needed shower. This was actually the first shower we have had where we got real shampoo and conditioner. We got our packs ready to go with new food and water and Marlyn & Maureen
drove us to the hardware store (again) to get alcohol for our stove. They then took us all the way back to the trail. They were two wonderful, generous, awesome people whom we hope to meet again someday. We got back on trail and sat and ate the sandwiches that Maureen had made us. We wandered on down the trail till we found a camp spot.




It was kind of windy and we were not sure if we were hearing animals or if our imaginations were running wild. We will never know but something was walking by us.
One thing we have experienced on the trail is overwhelming amounts of generosity from people all over this trail. It is good to know that kind generous people still exist. On an unrelated note I (Nate) have lost 17 pounds to this point and counting. It is somewhat ironic because I am eating more than I ever have in my life.
It is clear to Jenna and I that the trail is changing us and helping us grow. We were unsure if this transition would we be apparent. The saying is true, this trail will change your life.
Live long & prosper,
Nate