Day 8 – Warner Springs to Mile 129.2

MM: 129.2

Trail Miles: 19.7

Miles Walked: 20.7

My alarm went off at 0500. I tried to ignore it. It was cold and way too early. Not seeing my headlamp on, Wanderer came over to my tent, and said it was time to get up. We were going to leave early, by 0600, to avoid the heat as much as possible. Our goal was 19 Miles.

Slim and I were tagging along with Wanderer and Medicine Woman. Their style of hiking was go early, take regular breaks, and have a planned distance/destination. It was worth a try.

I was 15 min behind them getting on the trail. My normally bluster-proof feet needed tending to.

It was a beautiful morning climbing out of the bowl Warner Springs sits in. The trail went through an area that had remnants of an obstacle course. I knew the US Navy had a survival school there at one point.

The trail followed Agua Caliente Creek up for several miles. Numerous campsites lines the creek. Around mile 5, as I was passing a campsite with a woman and little boy, I heard a young voice ask if I wanted some trail magic. .i had just eaten and had 2 liters of water – plenty to get me to the next water stop – so I asked what kind of trail magic? He replied Sour Patch Kids as I spotted the big tub behind him on the ground. I smiled, “ Of course I do!” We chatted a bit. His name was Bryce and he had wanted to do trail magic ever since his mother had told him about it. He was about 8 yrs old and just adorable. We told him he as our Trail angel – Trail Angel Bryce.

We initially were staggered out, the four of us hiking separately. But with the hourly 5 min breaks, we eventually were hiking together. I was the youngest of the bunch but we all had similar paces. It was really enjoyable as we chatted and got to know one another better. Medicine Woman, 62, was a Professor or Geology, Wanderer, 68, was in Commercial Real Estate. They were friends, both from Calgary, Alberta. Slim, 59, was a Software Engineer from Boston.

Whether it was the 45 min break for lunch, the relatively short day yesterday or the pleasant company, the heat seemed bearable and the afternoon flew by.

Soon we were at ‘Mike’s Place’ – a Trail Angel who lives in the middle of nowhere but provided water to hikers. He even allows them to camp at his house. We needed water and heard he had pizza and ice cream. We just had to stop. We tanked up on water and followed the small of BBQ down the dirt road to Mikes house. No joy on the pizza but a large group of hikers was gathered around 2 quickly melting 5-gallon buckets of vanilla ice cream. Slim and I grabbed Cones and gobbled down two scoops each. Mike had a great set up for hikers – a virtual oasis in the middle of the desert – but our plan was 2 more miles and camp up on the peak above Mike’s.

We made camp a little after 5. I told everyone about the 5 o’clock dance pastry -/ no mAtter where I was at 5, I’d stop and dance to any song on my iPod. Today’s song was by Led Zepplin and not really danceable. At our respective ages, it turned into s stretching session. I think this dance party idea may work after all!

Marc & Slim Eating Ice Cream at Mike’s Place

Sunset from Mile 129, Cooms Peak