Day 4: (04/02) 39.5-48.7 :: 9.2 miles

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This morning we made it the last few miles from camp to the top of the ridge and into the area referred to as Mt Laguna, a mix of state park and forest service lands that parallel the sunrise highway. Our packs were light, as we were low on food and had access to water all day at the various closed picnic grounds and campgrounds along the way, so we didn’t have to carry much at a time. We took a peek into the Burnt Rancheria campground, which was the first place we passed, but quickly retreated as we felt like intruding criminals. A little further on we found a picnic area with benches hidden from the road and got to enjoy sitting on one and eating our final foods in peace. It is nice that we have the trail practically to ourselves, but it’s unfortunate that all of these public areas are closed and we have to feel like we shouldn’t be in them. On this section many people hike 1/4 mile off trail into the little village of Mt Laguna and get resupply or at the least least some refreshments at one or the restaurants or the Mt Laguna store. Even though we didn’t have much left to eat, we stayed on the trail and resisted to urge to go buy anything. 

All morning and afternoon we hiked along the ridge at the edge of the Laguna escarpment with fantastic views down to the desert. We covered just under 10 miles to the Penny Pines trailhead, where there is a popular trail to the top of Garnet Mountain. This was the only day hike we did all winter that had us anywhere near the PCT, and the two trails only share a few miles. We had arranged for my sister May to pick us up here. Her and her kids walked a little way down the trail and found us and walked the last little bit with us. They we’re happy to be breaking out of house arrest and came bearing gifts of food! We had the pleasure of enjoying cold flavored sparkling water, fresh fruit and some extra bars. On the trail we miss fresh fruits and veggies more than anything and it’s what we crave when returning to civilization!

We planned to go home for a few days of rest, so away we went back to El Cajon. 


















Comments

  1. JGJune 3, 2020 at 1:59 PM

    You are still in San Diego County at this point?

    ReplyDelete

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