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Stopped at: Liveoak Springs, mile 160.3 Miles today: 15.5
Last night was very comfortable on the soft lush grass at the Hiker's Oasis. I didn't even bother to use the therm-a-rest ultralight sleeping pad- It was that soothing! I had planned on getting up at 7:00 am and leaving at 8:00, but I was an hour late.
Bear was giving me a ride back to the trailhead this morning. "How would you like to go into town for breakfast?" He graciously offered.
"You've already done more than enough for me," I hinted.
"Well, we're trail angels."
"I think you've gone beyond what trail angels are expected."
After a minute or two, I gave up the battle and conceded on going into Anza for breakfast. Bear and Ziggy do not come across as affluent, and for them to be this generous hikers was truly amazing.
What did I do to deserve this fortune? Was it the ladybugs I helped back on their feet, was there anything good I've done on the trail, was it the good I've done in my life? No, maybe none of those things. Maybe it's the good I'll perform in my life ahead.
Before we could go to breakfast, Ziggy received a call and informed Bear to pick up 2 hikers who called from the Anza campground. I went to break down the tent while Bear went to escort the hikers back to the Hiker's Oasis.
Larry and Karen completed the Appalachian Trail in 2000. They arrived fully dressed as though hiding from the sun, and they shocked me by stating they carried 6 litres each. I equally surprised them when I told them I only carried half their water capacity, and Karen commented, "You must have a pretty efficient system." I replied, "I just pushed on without water at times." (Yeah, it was an efficient method until I ran out of water, then it became an insane and troublesome system.)
They woke up around 4:00 am and made good distances everyday, at least 20 miles, but what good was pushing when it resulted in blisters and fatigue. Karen said, "[Larry's] got some of the worst blisters I've ever seen." After looking at his exposed feet as he sat on the porch rocking chair, I would agree. They didn't look very enthused about returning to the trail and were planning on getting a motel for a few days. I encouraged them to return when they recovered because I went through some growing pains on the trail too. "I'll see you two on the trail."
Now that Bear and Ziggy had guests, breakfast was cancelled- I was relieved in a way because it was one less thing for them to offer. Bear drove me a mile from the trailhead, which we agreed on yesterday since the uphill climb in the rocky dirt road was difficult on his vehicle. Walking the extra mile was well worth the hospitality. There may be other trail angels along the PCT, but Bear and Ziggy will always be remembered as the first to take in this jaded stranger.
Years ago, Bear and Ziggy may have never met each other if not for a phone call from someone asking Bear to monitor Ziggy because of health problems. Bear was scheduled to fly out of town the next day to visit a relative; therefore, if the call had come one day later, they may not be together today. Yesterday, if I had left the water cache exactly as planned, then Bear and I would have never met. A moment in time can change our fortunes.
Less than 2 miles into the trail, I engaged the Family of Four from Alaska resting on the side of the trail. They were going slow, and I wasn't expecting them to be here this afternoon. They were planning on going into town at the next dirt road because the mother was having some stomach issues. The father had used a cell phone to arrange a ride.
Even though it was midday, I blazed ahead because of the cool overcast skies. By the time I reached Highway 74, the Palms-to-Pine Highway, black clouds and rain monopolized the heavens in the distance. Ironically, just last night, Ziggy had mentioned the long drought in this desert portion.
Across the highway and behind a small memorial wall sat another water cache by the Trail Ratz. What I have noticed about the few water caches was they were just off roads or highways crossing the trail- someplace easily accessible by trail angels so they didn't have to lug the water bottles long distances. I had expected a cache here. (The alternative water source was 1 mile down the highway towards Anza, probably at a restaurant.)
I rested at the cache for a few minutes eating what would have been yesterday's dinner if not for Ziggy's pork chops. The sky was merciful today and started drizzling here. Oh, how awesome the rain drops felt in the desert.
The Timberland Spruce Pass approach shoes were coming completely apart at the soles. Also, the insoles were too compressed and made my ankle rub on the sides. I promised to trash these non-functional shoes the minute I purchase a replacement in Idyllwild. If the Spruce Pass were Timberland's high end hiking shoes, then they really have no business making hiking shoes. They did have good traction, and I had worn them for 6 months city walking before hitting the trail.
The scenery changed dramatically after the highway with boulders and white rocks speckled throughout a forest. The change was very welcomed, but the dry desert section knew I would greet its barren landscape again soon- it had plenty of patients to wait on the other end somewhere.
A small red ant was pulling a dead ant 3 to 4 times its size up a boulder. How amazing, this little creature's display of natural strength, and there was no hurrah, no celebration, no congratulation after it dragged the meal the incredible uphill distance home. Insects were such amazing creatures. And here I was patting myself on the back after a day of carrying a pack only 25% my weight. I was such a remarkable athlete.
Still with overcast skies, I hiked a mile past Liveoak Springs before my body insisted on stopping. For tomorrow, I only had one power bar and one sandwich left for the 20 miles into Idyllwild. This was definitely not going to supply enough calories. It's been almost 2 weeks on the trail, but I still haven't learned the painful lessons of carrying enough food and water. The breakfast Bear extended this morning would have come in handy.
