Day 24- Liz 210-218.6

Thanks to trail angel Jane we were able to return to Ziggy and the Bear and not lose any miles. It was great to be on the trail again, but I did feel some trepidation knowing what we were hiking into again. We hiked through some beautiful mountains and canyons but the wind was incredibly strong and powerful. At times we had to kneel down or be tossed aside. Our trekking poles came in handy to steady us. This was truly the most powerful winds I've ever felt. Of course we had to put up our tents in it, comical. We would have cowboy camped except it's supposed to rain tonight and thunderstorms tomorrow. Hopefully it will only rain, I really don't want another zero day already.

My feet feel fine and no new blisters. Yippy. 

We're camped at white water preserve, it's beautiful and majestic. The cliffs and mountains surrounding us are indescribable, I feel so privileged to be here.

Day 24 Mile 210 to 218.6 - Mel

May 7

We're back!  Subway and Sugar High are on the trail. 

After a walk to Peets and a final latte this morning Aunt Jane picked us up at 9am and drove us to Whitewater. Dropped us off at Ziggy's so we could pick up where we left off. 

Would you believe it was windy?  We had been watching the weather the last few days so it was no surprise. Wind gust in the low desert, rain and thunderstorms in the mountains. 

For the most part today's hike was pleasant. The sun was out, but not hot, and there was not too much climbing. Although barren the mountains are beautiful. 

We passed by Mesa Wind Farm upon entering section C. 

We climbed out of this canyon and over a pass that had beautiful views of two canyons. I wanted to take pictures but afraid to with the wind gusts. 

Soon we entered San Gorgonio Wilderness. Once again beautiful views. The canyon wall east of Whitewater Creek reminded  me of the Grand Canyon. 

We're camping  at Whitewater Preserve in the  picnic area. Figured 8 miles was a good distance for our first day back on the trail. 

The worst part of today was (is) the wind. At one point near the wind farm a gust came through while I was in an open area and I just had to kneel down and wait it out. I was beginning to think I might have to crawl. There were a few places along the way that Liz and I had to dig our poles in and wait for the wind to pass. Tonight will be interesting.

Wild night - zero at 218.41 - Greg

May 8

As expected, the ladies stopped at the trout farm so there would be some sign of civilization during an expected storm.

According to some very brief satellite texts from Melinda, the storm came about midnight with wind and rain that didn't let up.

One text captured it nicely. "OMG wind rain lake in tent". Luckily she also said they were fine and her sleeping bag was "almost dry".

They took a zero to ride out the storm.

May 9

No idea how last night was, but they were up and on the trail by 7:30 and still headed north. :-)

I look forward to getting their stories once they get cell service.

Back on the trail! - to mile 218.41 - Greg

May 7

Mel and Liz left Ziggy and the Bear's place at about noon and trekked the 8 miles to the Whitewater Preserve. (Whitewater Preserve is 2,851 acres surrounded by the Bureau of Land Management’s San Gorgonio Wilderness, and includes the year-round Whitewater River.) The preserve includes an old trout farm which has been converted to a ranger station and it's near here where L&M camped. Thunderstorms are expected on Friday so I think they wanted to overnight where they would be reasonably safe and comfortable if they need to take a zero.

Day 23-Liz LA

Finally, we're leaving LA tomorrow to get back on the trail!! Our time here has been cathartic for body and soul, but now it's time to return to the PCT and show her who the BOSS is. My aunt has graciously offered to take us back to Ziggy and the Bear so we won't lose any miles of the trail, incredible. Bad weather is coming in the form of thunderstorms so we want to try and be ahead of it or else be in our tents prepared to hunker down and not lose to much time. My feet are 80% healed and I plan to treat them with greater respect and I hope they will in return carry me another 2454 miles. 

Happy trails. 

Day 22-Liz LA

And then there was 7, toenails that is. I went to the podiatrist yesterday and she's very happy with my progress, me too. I did ask her to remove one toenail, since I was there, better her than me. My feet still have residual pain and the wounds haven't completely closed and healed but I'm estatic to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I bought a pair of trail shoes yesterday, in a larger size, and I'm breaking them in now. Melinda and I went for a long walk this morning and for the first time I wasn't limping or wincing. Life is Great!!  I believe we'll be on the trail in a few days. 

I can't thank my family and friends enough for all the support and love they've shown us during our time here in LA. 

Before and after feet pictures. 

Day 20 - Still in LA - Mel

May 2

Oh my goodness. Who knew that having to take time off could be so enjoyable!

Deciding we needed to take some time off to the heal the feet was a bummer (it puts us behind schedule and the friends we made), but it is also part of the overall journey and something to embrace, not regret. So sitting outside the Greyhound office in Banning waiting for the bus to come, and hoping we could  get on it, was part of the experience. 

Once in LA Liz's mom and aunt picked us up at the bus station and took us to Bill and Kena's where at 10 pm a delicious dinner was waiting for us. Liz's family has housed us, fed us, and taken us wherever we have needed to go. Their care and support is beyond words. I have felt like part of the family. 

Today we spent at the beach celebrating the birthdays of a couple of Bill and Kena's friends. Once again being welcomed in as if we are part of "the family."

I'm feeling guilty about how well I'm being treated and fed during our down time. I'm not complaining though!