Day 7-12: miles 77-151.8

Just had a fantastic lunch at Paradise Valley Cafe and have both time and charge to post this before heading towards San Jacinto later today. It looks like the snow is rapidly melting, and the comments on Apache Peak have gone from "dear god why did I do this" to "I would take my elderly mother here", so I'm feeling confident that I can go over it. But if not, there's a side trail that I can bail out from.

Day 7: miles 77-80

Did a short day today coming from Julian. Relaxed at Stagecoach until around noon and then got a hitch back to the trail. It's fascinating how much the landscape has changed - this is truly the land of the cacti now!! They're all over, and so many different species! It's been a lot of fun identifying everything. Camped behind a juniper tree and had some lovely wind protection.

Day 8: miles 80-96

Pretty long day but my blisters are definitely limiting me - the last five miles or so are more of a hobble now. I'm seeing my mom in Warner Springs, at mile 110, and am probably going to trade out my shoes. Some really fantastic views today as we go around each canyon. I was gearing for a specific site but it was taken when I got there. Luckily for me, I was super protected from the wind, and the next day the guy said he had terrible wind. Also saw a garter snake today! No rattlers yet though.

Day 9: miles 96-109.5

Into Warner Springs today! I laced my shoes differently today and it was great for about five miles and then new blisters started forming :( can't have it all I guess. I got to mile 100 today!! I also got to see the eclipse today though - someone gave me eclipse glasses and it was so cool! Also got to go through the Warner Springs meadows, which was a big change from the desert landscapes of earlier. Also passed by Eagle Rock, which is a gorgeous rock formation that has a lot of significance to the local Kupa and Pala tribes.

Most importantly, my mom met me on the trail today!! She brought me fresh watermelon and drove me to dinner and ice cream :D then camped with me for the night. It's been so lovely to see her!

Day 10: miles 109.5-122.7

Mom hiked with me for about six miles this morning, to Agua Caliente Creek, which was very lovely. Right after parting, the trail went majorly uphill, gaining 1800ft in six miles. There was almost no shade, and just pure sun the whole way. I was very happy to have a lot of water on me. My blisters are feeling way, way better, but my new shoes have no drop in the heel, which is quite rough on the Achilles tendon when going uphill. So my feet are feeling rough in new fun and interesting ways. Tomorrow looks a little better though! I camped with CJ and Beacon, this lovely couple from Curaçao (originally from Amsterdam). We had some great conversation and took an early night.

Day 11: miles 122.7-140.2

Big day today! I started out early in the morning and ran into Paddles and Jess, who are coming from Australia. We hiked the rest of the day together which was fabulous. We had a similar pace and it was great to talk! We also got some great views of San Jacinto, which is quickly approaching. Today also included an 11ish mile water carry, so we had a nice rest at the spring before loading up for the next 10 miles.

Day 12: miles 140.2-151.8

Came down from the hills today, after some more grueling climbs. I hiked with Paddles and Jess again for 8 or so miles. I've mostly been hiking alone, and it's been really refreshing to hike with other folks who have a similar pace and schedule with breaks and everything. Finally, we got to the highway, where my mom met me one last time and drove us to Paradise Valley Cafe. PVC is a huge hangout for hikers, and we had a massive lunch there before hanging out and charging devices. Paddles and Jess are heading into Palm Springs for the next couple days - I really hope to see them again farther down the trail! I met another hiker who has a similar plan as me, so we're camping at the cafe tonight and hope to summit Apache Peak the day after tomorrow. Or else bail and take Spitler Trail down into Idylwilld. It would be really fun to do as much of the San Jacinto peaks as possible though! If I can get over Apache, then I'll take the alternate up to the top of San Jacinto. But either way I'll be skipping Fuller Ridge - there's no tracks up there yet and I think it'll be too dangerous, even with my microspikes and ice axe. I'll take two alternate trails to get around the Ridge. Regardless what happens, I'm very excited! The most important thing is to be safe though, so I won't be submitting if it looks too treacherous. I'll plan to post again in Idylwilld in just a couple more days!