Just lookin’ for an excuse…
About 12:30, I arrived at Mission Creek and the first of 21 raging creek crossings. No doubt about it. My feet will be clean after this.
I decided to camp at Whitewater Preserve. Well, dumb me didn’t read the comments in Far Out or scrutinize the map. I had to cross a raging river twice.
For the first time this hike, I really felt the desert heat. I was conserving water. A little after noon, I filled up and drank a liter.
It’s back to the trail and goodbye to Jeanine and the General (her husband). At noon, they drove me to Black Mountain Road and even up it a couple of miles.
I got up at 7:30 and just hung out with Jeanine and the General in Idyllwild at their house. Today is a zero day. No hiking.
I slept in this morning since I didn’t have far to go. Today, I’ll be going to Mama Jeanine’s home. Her and her husband are hosting me for two days.
A decision needs to be made today. That decision is whether or not to go over the San Jacinto mountain’s peak where there is still plenty of deep snow.
Today is Paradise Valley Cafe day. Since it opens at 8 M, I’m in no rush. I’m a 15 minute walk to the restaurant. After breaking down my camp, I’m off by 7:30.
I was on the way by 7 AM. The goal is to get to Paradise Valley Café. I will never make it by their 3 PM closing time, so the plan is to camp nearby tonight.
The plan is to make up miles after falling short of yesterday’s goal. Before I left camp I rubbed in some pain killing cream on my right leg to ease the pain.
