While hardly flat, after one big day of climbing out of Big Bear this section gets easier, with many long traverses that make for faster hiking.
It was the first section where the usual trail traffic seemed to thin out. Big Bear, is 266 miles into the hike, and some people feel disappointed -- no great epiphanies, just a lot of dusty miles -- and some get off trail. A French hiker I met made the point by whacking a rock with her trekking pole and exclaiming "this rock is boring." This made me think of the doctor in Heart of Darkness who observes "... the changes take place inside, you know." A long distance hike changes your perspective and your reactions, but might not give you much to talk about. Perhaps it's like meditation in that way.
This is also when over-use injuries start to catch up with hikers. The first round of blisters are under control, but now hikers are struggling with shin splints, and other foot and joint problems. Lori, who I started the hike with had to get off trail at Big Bear to take care of her painful heel. So far I'm holding together.
The highlight of this section was a visit to Deep Creek Hot Springs, which is only about 200 feet from the trail. We all stripped down and had a good soak before hiking on.
Yesterday was also my first 25 mile day in 2018, and I am tired, but not too sore. At the end of the day, Lori and Bill picked me up from Cajon Pass, and brought me to their home outside of Barstow for a rest day. Tomorrow I expect to hike on.
Here are the photos for this section:
Big Bear to Cajon Pass photos
Thank you! Useful Info.
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