Big Bear/Cougar Crest to Deep Creek Bridge (Mile 277.7 to 298.5)
MM: 298.5
Trail Miles: 20.8
Miles Walked: 23.2
Jim & Janet dropped me off at the Cougar Crest Trailhead at 0700. I was excited to get on the trail but also sad to leave. They had been so wonderful, it was hard to leave the warmth of their hospitality and home. —No doubt if I’d stayed much longer they would have kicked me out, but I was starting to understand the allure and danger of taking zeroes with wonderful Trail Angels.
Don’t let my smile fool you. I was sad to leave Jim and Janet.
Today was also my first day hiking without Slim. He’d gotten back on the trail yesterday after one zero. He was healthy and getting stronger and the snow was not a deterrent. For me it wasn’t the snow as much as my feet and lack of proper rain pants (mostly my feet). After 2 zeroes and some R&R, my feet and mind were feeling much better. It had been a much needed break.
Saying goodbye to Slim the day before.
My Fortune the first day hiking without Slim gave me pause.
Northeast of Big Bear the PCT turns lefts and heads west through the SAn Bernardino Mtns. It eventually crosses I-15 at Cajon Pass before climbing into the San Gabriel Mtns heading towards Acton and Agua Dulce. The elevations will vary between 3000 ft and over 9000 ft. There would be several waterless stretches over the next few days. I was shooting for Wrightwood, CA in 5 days, with a stop at the McDonalds at Cajon Pass – a PCT rite of passage.
Looking south across Big Bear Lake
The trail was pretty, following Holcomb Creek for many miles. Janet had said this part of the San Bernardino’s caught more rain from the LA Basin weather patterns. I could see the difference in the vegetation, more deciduous trees vice pines.
I eventually made it to the bridge over Deep Creek, a day-use recreation area. I was a little nervous camping so close to a day-use area. There were several hikers there when I arrived, but they all moved on for the night. I didn’t want to push my feet any further – 23 miles was enough. I set up my tent on the sandy creek bed. Eventually Syracuse Steve showed up and camped on the other side of the creek. I thought it was funny (comforting really) to have someone from “hometown” (CNY) nearby my first night solo and back on the trail.
The San Gabriels off in the distance.
I was out by 2030 and slept great.