Hikingsolo on the PCT: March 11 - Rescued from the storm!

The day started off with beautiful skies and comfortable temperatures. Jonas was up early so we packed up camp and hitched a ride the one mile to the post office. Arriving a little early we sorted through our stuff to pick out any items we didn't need. Jonas chose a jacket and some extra go-pro camera adapters. I had the poncho I was exchanging for a rain jacket and pants. Once our transactions were complete we hit the trail for the trek north. The trail mostly climbed it's way through oaks and manzanita to the high ridges covered in brush and a few pines. We wound our way through the mountains and into a boulder field by mid-afternoon.

In the distance we could see clouds starting our way and the sky lowering. As we passed the last opportunity to camp and before the three miles to Mile Herrera's Trail Angel Sanctuary it started to blow. The sky dropped and we became enclosed in the clouds. I quickly donned my raincoat (thank you Betsy!) and we stepped up the pace. Another mile and we were in the thick of it - howling wind and steady rain with temperatures dropping. Just as we approached the cut off to Mike's place we passed a lone tenter ensconced in the narrow vee of a wash at a trail cutback. We asked if he was okay and got a thumbs up.

We hurried on unable to see much more than the trail. Soon a sign painted on a plain board appeared "Water Food Shelter" with an arrow pointing up a narrow ditch. We turned and climbed onto a road that led us to paradise!

Trail angels Josh and Tom greeted us with a warm place to get out of the rain. Later came beer, tea, and pizza! Already warm and cozy were hikers Chad, Eric, and Judy a.k.a. Earl Grey. As we sat inside Mike's house (he was away and Josh was in charge) the snow began to fly. The thought of setting up my tent in those conditions chilled my bones. Fortunately new sleeping arrangements were arranged. Eric graciously gave up his space in the old RV parked next to the bunkhouse so Judy, Jonas, and I could rest easy. What a godsend! Eric had Josh's room, and Chad had the nearly roofless bunkhouse. While the storm raged and the RV rocked we all got a good night's sleep. The storm let up in early morning and we were off again at 8:30.