March 7 - Rain, Sleet, and Snow

Yesterday's driving rain ended with almost twelve hours of blissful sleep. The wind had died and the sun was threatening to break through as I woke. With cold temperatures breakfast was in the tent all wrapped up in my warm sleeping bag. Once on the trail the sun came out and warmed my heart. Unfortunately there were clouds looking on the horizon. Five miles down the trail the mountains disappeared and sleet began to fall. I donned Betsy's poncho, pulled up my jacket sleeves to keep the somewhat dry, and continued down the trail. Soon sleet turned to snow, then rain as I dropped to lower elevations. 

The plan for the day was to make it to state highway 2 then hitch a ride to Julian where there was a grocery store and water. Then I'd hitch back to the trail and camp out before departing for Warner Springs. The rain and snow stopped that plan. I hitched to Julian with Roger, owner of a local old-time photography studio in town. As we drove up the hill we passed a snow plow just before swerving around the curve of the mountain road. Fortunately Roger pulled it out and we continued into town at a more leisurely pace. He pointed out a good restaurant as he dropped me at the Julian Hotel Bed and Breakfast with assurances that both the restaurant and hotel were the best and least expensive in town. Thanks, Roger, you're and angel!!!

A hot shower and soak preceded a nice lunch at the Soup and Such followed by a walk around town. My guess is that people come here for apple pie as there must be half a dozen bakeries specializing in the treat. It certainly is an eclectic town. He two groceries specialize in alcohol, that's Jacks, and everything a camper needs including lots of old stuff that never sold, that's the Corner Store. 

BTW -two other PCT hikers , Matt and Cody from Sydney, caught up to me today. They've been seeing my footprints for days and were definitely excited to see me. Matt said, "I knew you were just ahead when I saw how you'd slid in the mud!" Nice guys. 

Sorry there aren't pictures today as my phone was safely stored in my pack. Just picture snow covered mountains above desert terrain with a wet and freezing hiker wearing shorts and a blue poncho while thumbing for a ride and you'll get the idea. 

Well maybe just one pic: 

At the quaint Julian Hotel. Dry, warm, and happy to be so.