Big Bear to Boulders to Boobs 'n Balls to Best Western

We got to highway 18 and met Hamburger there, who had been trying to hitch for about 20 minutes already. Julia's enthusiastic jumping around got us all a hitch within a few minutes. A couple of dudesfrrom El Salvador in a white pickup with two brand new mountain bikes in the back. The three of is carefully loaded our packs in the back with the bikes and crammed into the backseat and we were off. It's only about 5 miles to get into Big Beat city, but Julia and I were headed to Big Bear Lake, another 3 or so miles down the road so we hitched again, and again it took only a couple of minutes until Carol, a nice lady in a Subaru Outback, pulled over and picked us up and took us right to the hotel. As has happened every time so far, we were able to check in early (~10:30AM) at the Best Western and that first shower is always oh do amazing. The dirt that comes off you is incredible. We both cleaned up and then took care of some of the usual town stuff. Resupplying, going to the post office, eating fresh food, showering again, etc.. We set-up a 4 day resupply that would get us to the Beat Western at Cajon Pass and a 6 day one that I mailed to that Best Western that would be sufficient to
Get us to the Saufley's at Agua Dulce. After that we had some very mediocre Mexican food at a place nearby the hotel. We both way overate and so we waddled back to our room and passed out. Friday was the day we were supposed to hike out, and we did, but not til pretty late as we stayed to watch the stage of the Tour of California. It was so worth it. I've never seen a pro cycling race in person before so it was great to be a part of the excitement. We also scored some sweet freebies, nutrition bars and stickers. As soon as the bike race ended, we hauled ass back to the hotel and grabbed our packs and set off for the bus, that would take us near highway 18, from which we could hitch back to the trail.
Well, it took a little longer than expected but we got a quick hitch (from the gentleman in charge at the Big Bear City post office! He got us back to the trail for 6PM, so we planned to hike a few miles and stay at Doble Trail Camp. It had water, a picnic table, water and some great company.

Saturday we put in some great miles. We set out early and made miles quickly, stopping a couple of times for breaks overlooking Big Bear Lake. The day felt great, but as we descended, it warmed up pretty good and I could feel the heat of the day taking it's toll on our energy levels. We finally found a great spot, a nook amongst boulders, perfect fit for our tent. We washed up in a creek about 100 yards away, made some delightful ramen and tucked ourselves in.

Sunday was an interesting day. We woke up with the intention of having another big day, all in the name of making Tuesday as short as possible. We started out great and got in a good 10 or 11 miles by lunch time. It was darn hot and we took lunch down by Deep Creek just before the 300 mile mark. It was kind of uncomfortable because of the heat and bugs, but we stayed for a couple of hours. When we got to moving again I just had no energy and I literally had to lay down in the middle of the trail (good thing it wasn't busy!) for about 10 minutes or so, just to cool off. From there we basically went from shady spot to shady spot for the next hour and a half or so until we finally decided to sit and actually break. All day we were shooting for this natural hot spring, where we'd jump in and relax for a bit, have dinner and then put in another 5 or so miles. At around 4 or so, Carpenter and Creeper came around the corner, going southbound and so they stopped for a chat. They let us know what was ahead and that we are within about 20 minutes of the hot spring. They also warned of all the nudity going on there and how busy it was because it was a Sunday! Twenty minutes later, as promised, bits and pieces were out everywhere. No big deal, we just wanted to get in these hot spring pools and soak! Swim attire on. A good hour went by and then we made dinner, and then Lava Goat showed up and she said she was staying the night, and then we lost motivation to press on. Oh well, still 17 or so miles.

Monday was a good day. We left te hot spring before 6 AM and made it down to the dam around 9 I believe. We had a snack and played in this little spot where the echo was awesome. The trail for the next mile or so can get confusing, and the way we took yielded us both with full soakers, so we switched to walking in sandals for a bit. After the highway (138?) there's a great cache, but then a long, hot waterless stretch. We hammered away for a while, climbing and descending and winding. We tried to have lunch in a nice shady spot, but the flies were terrible, so we settled for a spot on an exposed ridge with a good breeze and we just used our umbrellas for shade. It was ok. After lunch we made our way down to the MF Spillway, got some water and then moved on. Shortly after that we came across a glorious sight,
a cooler. Too bad it was empty! Oh well, we've been so lucky so far with caches and trail magic. Right after the cache you climb up for a bit and then crest this hill that overlooks a big lake (Silverwood). You then follow round the outside of part of this lake, with many small beaches you could go down to, but we had our eye on this picnic area across the way, so we made that our target for dinner. When we arrived, a group of 4 guys that have been hiking together since the beginning were just on their way out. We stayed and had a nice dinner, filtered some water and bailed. The trail continued along the lake and the walking was so effortless, more or less flat and getting so much cooler as the sun went down. Once you get away from the lake and down towards a highway, it gets a little confusing where to go. Luckily another group of about 5 or so were hanging out underneath the highway, drinking beer and having eaten a pizza. Apparently they had been there for a few hours, staying out of the heat of the day that only fools would hike in! When they offered us a beer, I couldn't say no, so I hammered a 24oz MGD and joined them under the bridge for a bit. By the time we decided to move on it was nearing 8PM and getting darker. We went about a mile and then decided to stay at a little campground we could see from the trail.

Today was an early one. Up at 4AM, on the trail with headlamps on at about 4:45AM. Cajon Pass was about 12.5 miles away and we wanted to be there ASAP. We made miles quick and joined the underpass crew at around 6:30 or so. We took a couple short breaks, but we moved fast to get here. We arrived at the McDonald's at Cajon at about 10AM, had a couple cold drinks with the 20 or so other hikers and then made our way to the Best Western, checked in and cleaned up. We each ate 4 1/2 pound bean and cheese burritos from Del Taco, did a load of laundry, napped and just hung out.

We're ready for the next stretch. Agua Dulce and the Saufley's, here we come! And then Abby!!!