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Post by starwalker on Jun 1, 2023 15:33:25 GMT -8
Maybe, Mean Green Hiking Machine would sound better. (hahaha).
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rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,386 
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Post by rebeccad on Jun 2, 2023 7:36:14 GMT -8
Some parts of this section look great :D You impress me with the way in which you learn a little about all the people you meet. Little profiles of long-distance hikers.
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,884 
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Post by Westy on Jun 17, 2023 6:51:00 GMT -8
Farewell PCT - SoCal! Finished the flip! Tehachapi (mi. 566) to Paradise Valley Cafe (mi.151). Glad I flipped! The trail was way more fun without the hassle of a snow slog. Relished the relaxed, 56-mile, five-night, San Jacinto ending. Next mission...finish the AT. Have 600-something miles to go, Duncannon, PA to Zealand Hut, WMNF, NH.  Clean Jean Laundromat, Big Bear Lake, CA. 30% out of service, so filthy I wouldn't fold my clothes there. The dust and dirt in the indoor fans must have been there since the Eisenhower Administration! Total Yuk!  Bangarang! Incredible, still meeting hikers from other trails. He recognized me by my New England accent. We were both on the CDT in '18, specifically, Doc Campbells, Gila Hot Springs, NM. San Gorgonio Wilderness
 Jason, a hydrology engineer from Knoxville, TN didn't have a trail name. His wardrobe matches rather well, kerchief, hat, pant and shoes all of which accents his shirt. After much discussion and brainstorming he accepted my suggestion of GQ! The Sox aren't doing well on the trail or in the AL East! Cactus flower! It was a long day! Whitewater River - Sand to Snow National Monument - Terminates at the Salton Sea in the Mojave Desert.
 Whitewater River arroyo - Milky appearance created by the silicate and lime sediments it carries.  Ups and downs and all arounds, very, very windy here. Close proximity to the Mesa Wind Farm. Underneath Interstate 10. Elevation 1,341' Mount San Jacinto, elevation 10,834'. This photo taken at 1,230'. That's over 9,600' vertical prominence! Preparing to break camp! Just Bob and Hippie Gypsy, day hikers from Palm Springs, CA. Have previously section hiked the PCT. Treated me to potato chips, two beers and a shot of whiskey!  Across the valley is San Gorgonio, 11,499'. Still bits of snow, easily manageable. Here the trail is chiseled out of the rock. San Jacinto Wilderness  A look back at Fuller Ridge.
 Perfect spot to relax with after dinner hot chocolate-expresso suitably spiced with Jack Daniels. Well sign posted! Everything changes around the corner!
 Gnarly hiking ahead, steep and rocky traversing.  Hiking obstacle course. Forest fire in '13 ravaged area spawning a multitude of large blow downs.  Paintbrush Notice labor intensive trail construction. It's Keys, a local day hiker from LA. Met him my first day on the trail at the border.  Smooth going and still feels like the Super bloom! Last night on trail, started final hike out at 2:00 AM. Highway 74 is the finish.
Below: Paradise Valley Cafe, commonly known as PVC, a significant hiker landmark where I await my driver and subsequent travel to LAX. |
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rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,386
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Post by rebeccad on Jun 17, 2023 8:43:54 GMT -8
I have to say I like the way the SoCal trail goes between desert and alpine, though of course that makes it hard to hike it at the right season for the whole thing (and makes for a lot of climbing). Thanks for sharing all along the way!
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Post by georgeofthej on Jun 17, 2023 20:29:02 GMT -8
Thanks, Westy. I enjoyed your photos and comments.
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Image Credit / Coolkat
