Life of a Gal Named Liv

holy cow, what a journey this has been. I can’t believe it’s only been a couple weeks. 94.1 miles the past few days, to total 231.3 miles so far! Trying to enjoy the journey, not plan too far ahead, and live in the moment. Real glad to have Cajun, my new hiking friend, to enjoy these views with (and it’s nice not talking to yourself for 10 hours a day, lol).

I AM REALLY missing all my people, back home, but hope you enjoy these photos! Much love 🙂

DAY 10: Big Bear into San Bernardino National Forest (21 miles)

After getting dropped off by Kenny (an amazing Trail Angel) with massive breakfast burritos in hand, we scurried down the trail. We finally came up with my trail name- Tater Tot! The day was nice and easy until about 15 miles in when it got real hot. Leg did fine until the last mile, but I was sure to take it easy all afternoon & ice it with snow!

Day 11:San Bern to Holcomb Creek (19.4 miles)

Lots of creek crossings & post- holing through the snow this day! This was the first day we met up with “the bubble” (multiple hikers going the same way as us) which was quite refreshing! After a couple of days of being alone you wonder if you’re on the right trail! (Haha just joking a little bit) … We ended up stopping a mile or so before our “planned” camp due to my insane blisters & our fully soaked boots. (The first photo, above, was RIGHT before we got to camp)

Day 12:Holcomb Creek, malt shop, & Deep Creek Hot Springs ( 18 miles)

Started the day VERY STOKED-becauseeeeee today was cheeseburger & hot springs day! Yay!

We only had a 7.5 mile walk to “town” , got a hitch, and dove into some fat burgers. We got a hitch back, then (very full) staggered the remaining miles up a huge canyon to the hot springs! we got in pretty late, but had a nice soak before making dinner and crashing. Got rattled at by a rattlesnake that day- whew, scary!

Day 13:Deep Creek to Silverwood Lake (21 miles)

This was by far the longest day yet, with a 3:45 wake up to get in the hot springs at 4am…and didn’t end until around 6:30pm! The soak was very relaxing, and then we set off to complete our 21 miles to Silverwood lake. It was a VERY hot day, but quite diverse scenery-wise!

The SUPERBLOOM was insane, so here are tons of pretty flower photos:

We thought about quitting early, but got wigged out by the “no camping” signs and the park rangers. We ended up camping in the park, but didn’t see any pay station… so it was free for us 😉

I had a rough evening dealing with my wet feet (yes, mostly blistered) , swollen ankles, itchy hand, hearing of a family friends death, and very loud neighbors. BUT, at least the weather was nice.

Day 14: Silver wood Lake to Cajon Pass (14.7)

After a rough night, with very little sleep, I rolled out of bed around 4:30 and made some strong coffee. not able to stomach oatmeal, I slid a granola bar in my pocket, grabbed my headlamp, and started packing up my gear. By 5:30 we were hitting the trail.

I opted to wear crocs, since my blisters were so bad from the past few days. We made 10 miles by 9am, stopped for a quick snack & to filter some water, & then (nearly jogging) made it to the McDonald’s around 11. The place was filled with thru-hikers (we saw Keys again-yay!) , limping around, & cramming as many calories into their mouths as possible. I came out @ 1200 calories, and hobbled across the highway to the Cajon Pass Inn. Off came the crocks, the nasty clothes & into the shower I went. Cajun and I are going to plan out the next week or so, figure out resupply needs, and get ready to hike tomorrow. But first: lounging, icing, sushi, and pool-side napping!