Just lookin’ for an excuse…
It’s back to the trail. At 9:15, I walked down to the bus stop. The bus was late, but I was onboard by 10:05. The driver knew where to drop me off for the trail
No hiking today. This is a day off in Big Bear Lake. I caught up with my journals and personal business early in the morning.
I found a super deal for Big Bear Frontier Resort. It was just a little over what hostel was going to charge me for a private room. I reserved it.
I was the last out of camp this morning. The plan is to go to a campsite only one-half mile from highway 18, which is the access point to Big Bear.
I arrived at the Arrastre Camp at the end of the day. Much to my shock and dismay, a large Boy Scout Troop was coming in to spend the night. OUCH!
I arrived at Mission Camp about 4:30 PM. There were quite a few hikers here and more came in. This area is a forest with real trees. No more desert terrain!
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.
