Monday, May 18, 2026. 40 degrees and clear headed for 75.
Up at 5:00. Ate, packed, filled 3.5 liters of water, and on trail at 6:00 before the sun crests the mountains.
Long climb today. Basically 15.5 miles at a steady 7% grade uphill followed by a very steep 3.5 miles down into the small town of Wrightwood. We are very much looking forward to the house we rented for the next two nights.
We just trudged along all morning with the same view back to Cajon and beyond. We stopped for lunch at 10:20 a.m. and 9:15 miles. Decided on a hot lunch since I’m carrying an extra meal from last night.
We got back on trail at 11:00. We switched over the ridge line and got a different view for most of the rest of the afternoon. Nice but nothing spectacular.
We took a well-needed break at 1:35 and 14.55 miles. The constant climb today was wearing on the feet and Achilles. The view out over Victorville and across the desert towards Barstow, CA, and the Mojave Desert was amazing.
YouTube video Overlooking Victorville
We finally stopped climbing and walked through a 2-year-old major burn area. Utter desolation at times.
YouTube Video of Wrightwood Burn Area
Finally, it was time to start the 3-mile descent via the Acorn Trail into Wrightwood. We hiked through more burn area for 2 miles down the mountain.
We reached the residential area of town, still steep, and a local woman offered to drive us the last mile into town. Heck yes! She dropped us at the grocery store 2 blocks from our rental at 4:00. We grabbed some snacks and beer and limped uphill (of course) to the house. Niaal, Jacob, and Mash were already settled into the house. Very nice rental!
Chilled a bit, showered, snacked, chilled more, washed laundry. The owner’s expect PCT hikers and provide loaner PJs while our clothes are on the laundry.
Eventually I walked back to the store with the crew and picked up dinner food. I was craving a nice basic sandwich, so I got a loaf of bread, cheese, and 3 different lunch meats. Three sandwiches later I was finally not hungry.
Another good day. That climb was tough but not as bad as the fear mongers made it out to be. The house is wonderful and I’m looking forward to rest, resupply, and planning the next 3 weeks tomorrow.
Milestone…we are more than 50% done with the desert. We have about 3 weeks or so to Kennedy Meadows South and the start of the High Sierras.
Technical Notes:
- Protein Shake (10oz): 330 cal, 19g carb, 13.5g fat, 36g protein
- Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g 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
- Jerky (2 oz): 140 kcal, 12g carb, 0g fat, 22g protein
- Skittles (2.17oz): 250 kcal, 56g carb, 2.5 g fat, 0g protein
- Cup noodles protein (8 oz water): 320 Kcal, 38g carb, 12g fat, 16g protein
- Tuna: 90 kcal, 0g carb, 8g fat, 17g protein
- Skittles 250
- Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
- More town food and drink – 3000
- Water liters: 3
- Miles: 20.37
- Time: 10:20
- Up: 5262
- Down: 2764
- Calories consumed: 4800
- Calories burned: 4133
- iPhone battery used: 45%
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