Gains & Losses

After we departed Guffy campground in the morning, we began making our way towards the largest thing in site -Mt. Baden-Powell. With a misunderstanding around our re-supply in Wrightwood, we had limited time and food to reach our next way point in Agua Dulce 90 miles away. We made 10 miles before reaching the trail head to summit, crowded with Sunday hikers from the city. The next four miles reminded us a lot of Washington, as we switch backed up to the exposed summit at 9400ft. From here we stood on the dividing line of weather patterns; to the South lies Los Angeles beneath a thick blanket of clouds, to the North, the Mojave. We also met the Wally Waldron tree here, the oldest Limber pine in the area, at 1500 years of age. After enjoying a picnic on the summit, we made the last 6 miles of a 20 mile day to little Jimmy spring, flowing fast with fresh water.

As we continued to make our way west through the mountains, we weaved around highway 2, crossing it over half a dozen times. As we continued to push 20 mile days, we quickly found ourselves in the charred landscape of the the Station fire, one of the largest is Southern California’s recorded history. Following the fire came a resurgence of the endemic Poodle-dog bush, known for causing severe skin irritations that can last weeks. For this reason we road walked 14 miles, taking advantage of the extra clearance. We spent the night near a memorial for two fire-fighters killed in blaze. From here one could begin to see the magnitude of that which was burned 7 years ago. Nearby we found the abandoned Little Gleason Forestry Plantation. Only concrete and metal remained, everything else disintegrated in the fire. After a quick morning exploration of the grounds, we made another 20 miles for the fourth consecutive day, a little sore and exhausted by the time we reached the low desert and the Santa Clara “River.”

After being scalped at the Acton KOA for a few refreshments, we made 10 more miles to something we’ve long dreamed of -Hiker Heaven in Agua Dulce. Along the way we passed through Vasquez rocks, where Captain Kirk fights the infamous Gorn. Upon our arrival in heaven, we were met with an introduction of the grounds, including the complementary laundry service complete with “Loaner” clothes, the certified post office being run out of the garage, the organized shuttles to the local REI, showers, Epson salt foot baths, computer lab and camping. We couldn’t have dreamed up anything better. Everything is highly organized, despite the chaos that thru-hikers bring day in and day out. We pitched our tarp between the chickens and horses, enjoying the company of animals. We will enjoy a zero here, as the company and resources are a true treat.

Over the last 112 miles we have climbed and declined over 27,000ft, making for a net change of 500. Welcome to the desert.

Stump & Mandalynn