“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.”
~John 3:16-17
Eagle Spring to Saddle Junction to Idyllwild (mile 179.4, San Jacinto Wilderness)
15.9 miles
Stunning Easter sunrise high in the mountains with only the anticipation of walking throughout the day… sweet. Soon after we started hiking today we met up with Coyote and enjoyed her company the rest of the day. We knew today was not going to be easy with multiple steep descents and ascents and a possibility of snow crossings. It was all that and more.
1st off it was gorgeous. I want to go back, soon. I hope to in 3 weeks to continue hiking this section. The San Jacinto Wilderness sports: expansive views, magnificent rock formations, granite domes, narrow trail, clean cool air, and snow travel (a lot). Brought back memories from hiking last year on the PCT.
2nd it was challenging. Everything was straight up or down. Between mile 175 and 179.4 it was solid snow. Topo Maps app on my iPhone to the rescue for navigation. We now know that many people have gotten lost up there and wandered around trying to find the trail.
Our plan was to exit the trail at Saddle Junction and descend 2.6 miles on the Devils Slide Trail that ends at Humber State Park Trail Head outside of the town of Idyllwild by 3:00. Bryn, my daughter was meeting us there. What we didn’t factor into the equation was the time it takes to travel through snow. We were late, but safe and happy when we exited the trail.
Coyote and Andy from Australia joined our family for dinner at Arriba’s Mexican Food in Idyllwild and for dessert at Joanne’s. Yuuuuummmmm. If you haven’t visited Idyllwild, do it. Fun little shops among pines, with very friendly people nestled in a beautiful little valley.
Got to admit, I am really sad to get off the trail. I would have loved to continue on with Coyote. She was very motivational to me and more importantly loved talking gear. But work calls. I will be back though hopefully to do the section from Idyllwild to Onyx Summit the end of April after the PCT Kick Off at Lake Moreno and I am starting my big section hiking this summer starting June 7.
I guess what really made my week was when I found out that Silly Chili didn’t want to take his backpack off at the Humber Trail Head, he just wanted to keep going on to Canada. Now it doesn’t get better than that. 🙂
FYI: I will be posting gear, trail info, food testing, videos, and better quality pics soon. I now have some gear that I heart and some I can leave behind.
