There is a MacDonalds at Cajon Pass that was calling to me so I pushed to get there today. As always I was up high and the geological formations were amazing.

Early morning somewhere near mile 303, a picture of Deep Creek. I enjoy hiking and following and listening to a creek, stream or river.

I carry two things on the strap of my backpack. The first is a piece of ribbon of my Buchanan Scottish tartan (of which Watt is a sub-clan) to remind me of my father and all he did for me. It reminds me of my past. The second is a small sterling silver compass from my sweetheart Kathy to remind me of home and her and never getting lost and always finding my way home to her no matter how far apart we are. It reminds me of my present and my future.

Update: I later switched both of them from my pack to my shirt so they would always be with me even when I had taken off my pack.

Just for the record here is a selfie at mile 298. The beard keeps growing and without a mirror it gets all messy. There are times when I meet other hikers where I worry that I might have old food and other stuff on my face, beard or lips that were leftover from a few days ago. How nice not to worry about one’s appearance (not that I ever did) due to no mirrors being readily available.

At key points along the trail are PCT trail signs. For example when you cross a road there is typically a trail sign on the other side.

I need to learn acceptance especially of the trail. There is nothing I can do to change the trail. Instead I have to change myself. I must accept the trail as it is. If the trail goes up then I have to climb it. If the trail is rocky then I must cross it. It is not only the physical trail, but it is also the environment of the trail. If the weather is windy or snowy I need to accept that, adapt and continue to make progress. The trail always wins. Although I might think or dream about changing the trail. There is little likelihood this will even happen. Instead I must learn to accept the trail as it is. I must stop dreaming of possibilities and accept the reality in which I reside. Through this acceptance the journey of a lifetime can unfold. Each day I can see subtle seasonal changes occurring. I stand in awe of the majestic beauty of nature as I hike this national scenic treasure.

For the past day I have been treated royally at the home of trail angels, Papa Smurf and Mt. Mama. They and their son have driven me to the store for resupplies, fed me dinner and breakfast, provided me a shower for my body and washer for my clothes, and a bed (bunk) to sleep in. There are six hikers in all staying here. Although I did not take advantage of it, they also provided foot baths and foot massages. To these sweet people I owe great thanks.

UPDATE: thank you Coppertone for the creme soda float today. It was scorching hot and to have you there on the roadside giving out floats to passing thru-hikers was wonderful and boosted my spirits.

While climbing yet another mountain, this one being San Gorgonio I encountered these trees that have recently been blown down by the wind or a storm, AKA, blow downs. There are three ways to get by them: climb over, climb under, or walk around.

Thanks to trail crew volunteers who work diligently to maintain the trail, here is what “after” looks like.

Something akin to poison ivy, oak or sumac. You do NOT want to touch this stuff. I carefully slide by it whenever it is on the trail.

Update: And it has a very distinctive smell.