From Cajon Pass to Whrightwood

After my marathon the previous day (see : a marathon for McDonald), we set off again: only forty kilometers separated us from Wrightwood, the next stop on our journey. We started the day without rushing too much: we had breakfast sitting on the ground as the restaurant no longer had tables.

Traditionally, when leaving Cajon Pass, one would take on the "McDonald's challenge," which involves eating only McDonald's food for an entire day, until wrightwood. We had discussed the best strategy for several days: some people bring only nuggets, while others have burgers prepared without the sauces... However, we eventually gave up on that idea because the restaurant only serves breakfast at the time of our departure. 24 hours of McMuffins? No thanks.

To reach Wrightwood, we had to climb a crazy elevation of almost 2000 meters. After a long day , I thought I would feel more tired, but actually, I was feeling fine this morning. Here we go again, through the grayness. We talked about our favorite books with Kiki. We refilled our water at a cache 5 kilometers from McDonald's. No more water sources for thirty kilometers. Fortunately, in this cold weather, we might use a little less.

We climbed back up what I descended yesterday, and even a tad more. Having eaten McDonald's three times in a row was maybe a bad idea; my stomach was feeling heavy.

The landscape became increasingly mountainous. We regularly heard trucks honking their long horns. Finally, after a turn, the highway wasno longer visible, and the noise subsided. Nature again!

The pine trees were different there, with a somewhat shabby appearance, and their needles and cones hung beneath the branches. I was amazed to see how much the vegetation had already changed since the beginning of my journey.

Around us, some peaks were once again covered in snow. We were above two thousand meters, setting off late, and time passed without us fully realizing it. Covering thirty kilometers in a day was no longer a problem, but in April, the sun sets early, and fatigue sets in during the afternoon. The ascent continued. Endless.

The last part wasalso the most technical, with a narrow path traced on sandy ground, steep slopes, and no room for missteps; it required every bit of concentration we had left. I felt truly tired now. In two days, I would have covered almost eighty kilometers.

I was walking alone with Cucumber, at the top of the mountain, as the day was well advanced. Exhausted. I kept yawning.

The temperature started to drop in the setting sun. We reached the place where we planned to stop, but it was very exposed to the winds, and it was cold. For the first time, I had to put on my jacket to avoid getting too cold while walking. We decided with Alex to continue for two kilometers . Two kilometers, usually a half-hour walk, but with fatigue and another three hundred meters to climb, the height of the Eiffel Tower. The wind chilled us.

Somewhere around a tree, at our feet, a small memorial. A few years ago, two PCT hikers died of cold around here. I walked then with that thought in mind. It became more and more difficult to move forward. We were cold. The sun had set by the time we reached the camp. The sound of the wind was even louder there. Many tents were already set up, but everyone was already asleep.

It's late, and we're cold. Alex and I search for a good spot for our tent, where we're well protected, except for a few gusts of wind. The wind has become an obsession. I need to sleep, to be warm. I don't want to be cold tonight, having to go out and re-stake my tent. My fingers are red and numb. I set up my tent and put on all the clothes I have with me.

Just one night to endure before being back in town.

I don't have much water left for the night, but there must be a water source below the campsite, and I'm too tired to go there now. I ration myself a little.

As we're getting ready to eat, the girls arrive in the night. We find a spot for them around us. Someone from a tent yells at us to stop using the light. It's only 8 p.m., but the person was already sleeping, right next to the pit toilets. Finally, we're settled. We eat in silence, each in our own tents, aware that the smell could attract bears, and I have to force myself to go hang my food a bit further away. It's really cold. Tomorrow, the road to town is only six kilometers away.

It's all over. Teeth are brushed. I'm afraid of being cold. I close my eyes, and it's morning. For once, I had a full, restful night's sleep, incredible.

I was the first one up. I decided to go fetch water for everyone from the source. I walked down a small path and was rewarded with a magnificent sunrise on the ridge. I plunged my hands into an icy spring and slowly collected the water. Three liters to share among the four of us. I walked back up, but no one really needs my water. We packed up the camp. No rush this morning, except for the urge to go have breakfast in town.

Luckily, we were in luck at the road. A trail angel was there at the perfect moment, with Kelsey! Kelsey was in one of the tents we saw when arriving at the camp yesterday, along with Nick and Melvin. I thought they were far ahead! Maria, the trail angel, took us into town. Tomorrow, a snowstorm is forecasted, and we seek refuge.