Mount Laguna to Idyllwild

2017 PCT Journal

Apr 21

“I have stopped thinking of the miles hiked. I just put my head down and go. ”

— Emory, By Land

April 27, 2017

I'm finally in a pair of shoes that isn't trying to kill me. When we arrived in Borrego Springs, I had a pair of Hoka One One shoes waiting for me and when I put them on, it was like heaven.

Heading into Borrego, I hiked an 18-mile day the day previous, so my feet were barking and in much need of rest. We hung out with the American Legion that night and stayed at private homes. It was great and full of whiskey.

Borrego Springs to Idyllwild

Had to make 14 miles out of Scissors Crossing to a water cache. It was hot and uphill the whole way. The following day we hiked 18 miles into Warner Springs for a hot dinner and breakfast. My Hokas were making a world of difference and somewhat healing my feet.

It was a hot 18 miles uphill to some trail angels’ place called "Mikes" where there were quesadillas waiting for us when we arrived. It was a strange place, to say the least. Very hospitable, but strange. We crashed in a porch-type thing that evening and awoke to pancakes.

Two more days to go to Idyllwild. It wasn't too bad and each day my feet were feeling better. At about 1 PM we arrived at the Paradise Valley Cafe for lunch. I scarfed down a burger and beer and waited for some friends to arrive from Palm Springs. After a short visit, I hitched a ride to town and met up with the guys at a cabin for the night.

No More Thinking, Just Hiking

Final stretch to Paradise — The best hiking partner a guy could ask for.

I have stopped thinking of the miles hiked. I just put my head down and go. Somehow, each night I'm tired and think I won't have enough gas for the following day, but when the morning comes it's a different story. I'm sore but ready to hike.

My dreams at night are crazy and all over the place. Like all the things I've thought about during the day play out at night.

I feel my body getting stronger while at the same time feeling new pains each day.

This is an experience no doubt. Not sure what to make of it yet. Seeing 100 miles pass was strange. I just keep plugging along day after day. What makes me do this? I have no idea, it's a sick torture but a pleasure knowing your feet can take you so far. The landscape changes slowly but rapidly at the same time. When you look back to the ridge you were on the previous day, it seems so far and impossible to hike from. It's all very strange.

So weird knowing you've hiked 100 miles. Not sure what to make of it

151 miles so far, By Land

Thanks for checking out these posts about my hike up the Pacific Crest Trail! If you have any questions for me or want to connect, you can leave a comment below or shoot me a personal message at emory@byland.co.

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