Mile 246.2 - 266.0 ( Big Bear City, CA )

   I don't think we slept an hour between us last night in that old historic cabin. The temperature sank to the high 20's with 30 to 40 mph winds. Our sleeping bags say they are rated to 20 degrees but I can assure you that isn't true. We had icy winds cutting right through our bags and just shivered all night.

   At daybreak we headed out into the elements only to freeze some more. It took a few miles and the sun to rise higher for us to get the feeling back into our hands.

   We were very motivated to make 20 miles today. 20 miles is where Highway 18 meets the PCT and our road to Big Bear City. We set a time record for hiking 20 miles in just 8 hours.

   We hitched a 5 mile ride into town and are very happy and warm in our first motel of the trip. Our plan is to hike an easy 9 miles southbound tomorrow and stay here in town one more night. We need the rest, good rest.

Balance, Goldilocks, and Y-Knot sitting in a trail side couch that was brought in by the Big Bear Hostel.

Our hiking friends Ranger Jan and Pockets.

Look at the size of this pine. Far different than our east coast trees.

Endless limbs.

The Mojave Desert looms in the distance.

Y-Knots food supply for 4 days. It is heavy but we are happy to have full food bags after leaving town.