20 Miles
Choppy weather today. We started off packing up without any rain, but before we started walking we put on rain jackets because sprinkles were coming down. On our way out we passed by our camp neighbor, Happy Hour. He was also disappointed to have rain again. The jackets, like the rain, only lasted about ten minutes. We got water after a couple miles and then made our way down to a trailhead and campground. About a mile before the trailhead we said good morning to Right On Time. At the trailhead, a trail angel named Rabbit (or Buzzard Bait) was set up with a hand-washing station, coolers of beer & pop, a meat & cheese tray, chips & salsa, fresh cut watermelon, potato chips, some bag chairs, and a log book. He had it all! Super nice guy and fun to chat with. We met a lady named Snow On The Trail who told us there are fires near the trail where we plan to exit for Etna, we’ll have to monitor that since it’s right where we’re headed and we’ll be there in 30 miles. It was fairly hot and sunny until after lunch, which was on the side of a stone/dirt road. We had leapfrogged with Sage and Bucket a couple times, but hadn’t spoken much. At lunch we figured out that we hadn’t seen them since Idyllwild when we all climbed around the boulder blocking the trail. The trail climbs up to treeline and a storm developed while we made our way up. We could hear thunder, but no visible lightning. Trying to play it safe, we took a short break to let it pass, but eventually just pressed on hoping to get back into the trees around the bend in the ridge. A brief break in the storm, and unexpected cell service, gave us time to make a hotel reservation for Etna. Further up the trail we found Stoked who was waiting on Right On Time to show up. Heavier rain and brief hail made the end of the day soggy and slightly cold, but we arrived at camp after it stopped. Happy Hour came through and was again looking for water, but was headed for the next campsite. After dark it sounded like Snow On The Trail, Stoked, and Right On Time all passed our tent.
PCT Hike 