Day 23. Climb from Cajon Pass

mile 341 to 363
5/1/14

I know I say this most days, but this was one of my favorite days on the PCT.  Absolutely gorgeous climb from Cajon Pass (mile 342) into the snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California.

Morning shadows, mountains ahead.

Started the day with a 5 AM stop at McDonalds.  Big breakfast of at least 1000 calories, plus packed out some food for "second breakfast."  Filled up with 7 L of water for the hot and sunny 22 mile water carry (enough to camp if I didn't make it all the way in one day).

When I saw the first view of the snowy peaks in the distance, my heart skipped a beat. They were so lovely and I'd get to be up in them soon.

Rounding the corner to see snow-capped mountain peaks.  Yay!

As I climbed, the road at Cajon Pass looked smaller and smaller behind me, the air got more crisp, the sounds of birds filled the air, the butterflies darted about.   I loved watching the transitions as I climbed. The first trees, the scree slopes, then higher up the different forest types, and finally patches of snow on the trail. Each time I rounded another bend, the peaks were closer and closer until I was right there beside them.

Scree slopes.

The climb was from 3000 feet to where I'm now camped at 8250 feet at mile 363.6.  Wow over 5000 feet!  I'd never done more than a 3000 foot climb before.  Back east, I just don't have access to mountains this tall. I'm glad I spent all that time training on my 3000 foot climbs and all those hours every day hauling my pack around to train for this.   I think back to all those cold and raining 5AM training hikes over the winter, and I'm so glad for that dedication now.

My legs just kept going and going (though of course I stopped every few hours to eat).  I didn't know how it would be climbing this much, but it felt awesome and I've never felt so strong.

Evening shadows.

The PCT continues to be gradual and well-graded.   It winds around with very long switchbacks, never going anywhere directly.  I love that I can see where I'm heading, and yet the trail will head out in a completely different direction, then turn another way and then another.  It is a wandering trail that takes it's time to explore.  This is a constant reminder to enjoy the journey, not focus on the destination.

I stopped in a grove of huge trees with a view of the mountains and sunset.   Finally saw my first people of the day pass by on their way to get water at the spring less than a mile away.   Thought I'd camp here though, rather than the spring, since I still have enough water and I like the big gnarled tree nearby.

Gnarled giant.

Spent a good hour this evening watching the thin clouds drift across the sky.   I realize that I don't sit still very often out here- I'm usually either hiking, eating, looking at maps, or doing foot care.  It was good to be still and soak in the mountains.   I absolutely love it up here.   I daydreamed about staying up here all day, or climbing back down to Cajon Pass so I could climb back up here again- it was that much fun!

The low point of the day was having to dodge the poodle dog bush for a mile or so- it's like poison ivy only taller.   But on a good day like today, even doing gymnastics to avoid the dreaded poodle dog bush isn't that bad.

Dreaded poodle dog bush.

I probably keep saying this as well, but even after 23 days on the trail, I am so glad to get to do what I love doing the most which is hike everyday. What a way to live!

Another lovely place to hang my hammock.