Sunday, May 17, 2026. 50 degrees and cloudy headed for 62.
Up at 5:15. New breakfast drink is pretty good. Packed, used camp bathroom, and on trail at 6:30.
My hip is bothering me today. Pulled something. Just need to walk slow.
YouTube video overlooking Cajon Pass.
Got off the trail for the .4 side hike to McDonald’s at noon-ish. Passed by old Route 66.
We reached McDonald’s at 12:15. This is the most famous McDonald’s on the PCT.
Tons of hikers stop here to eat, rest, recharge electronics, and socialize. We get all kinds of odd looks from normal customers. Brad, me, Mash, Jacob, Niaal, and 12 others.
Infinity, Kellie, TJ, Bonk, Brian are skipping Wrightwood altogether; they are afraid of Noro Virus. There is so much FUD out here. Noro is common on the AT, and people here are freaking like it’s the Black Death. Noro is easy to avoid with basic common sense.
I rented a house Monday and Tuesday night. It has 4 bedrooms, 6 beds, 2 baths, and multiple sofas. There will be 5 of us Monday and at least 3 Tuesday. It has its own washer and dryer. That is a huge bonus. Very close to the businesses in town, which is why I picked it. I won’t be surprised if we add a few more people tomorrow.
We got back on trail at 1:50 after a big lunch and a good rest.
Hiked another 5.7 miles, mainly uphill, crossing train tracks several times. Cajon Pass is a critical major train route out of the LA / Oakland ports. Constant freight trains 24×7.
Reached camp at the last water cache at 4:30. Hips hurt, feet hurt. I’m not going anymore today. The youngsters are doing 5 more miles or more. I’ll just have to deal with a big climbing day tomorrow when I’m rested. Love the chairs that the trail angels provided.
We are camping in a dry river bed, and I took a great spot behind some big shrubs. Those two things will help cut the wind. It’s been very windy all afternoon.
Met a trail angel who helps maintain the cache here. Noro fears abound. It’s really getting annoying.
Tomorrow is 16.2 miles all uphill on the PCT, followed by 2.7 miles down a blue blaze VERY downhill into town, and another 1-mile walk to the rental house. Hope to be at the house by 4:00 at the latest. Zero water until we reach town, so big water carry day.
Had McDonald’s leftovers and snacks for dinner. Lightening up my pack for tomorrow. It’s cold and damp this evening. Huddling in my tent.
Technical Notes:
- Protein Shake (10oz): 330 cal, 19g carb, 13.5g fat, 36g protein
- Mango (3-4p, 49g): 140 kcal, 35g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per
- Mango (3-4p, 49g): 140 kcal, 35g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per
- Skittles (2.17oz): 250 kcal, 56g carb, 2.5 g fat, 0g protein
- McDonald’s
- Two cheeseburgers 600
- 20 nuggets 940
- Two Dr Pepper 400
- 10 nuggets 470
- Fritos (32p, 27g): 160 kcal, 16g carb, 10g fat, 2g protein
- Fritos (32p, 27g): 160 kcal, 16g carb, 10g fat, 2g protein
- Jerky (2 oz): 140 kcal, 12g carb, 0g fat, 22g protein
- Water liters: 3.5
- Miles: 20.36
- Time: 10:00
- Up: 3346
- Down: 3219
- Calories consumed: 3800
- Calories burned: 3669
- iPhone battery used: 50%
Leave a Reply