30 April. Mile 458: North of Agua Dulce.
The hiking through the San Gabriel Mountains has been challenging. More elevation swings, two nights of high winds, three days of dodging poodle dog bush and the rash it induces, and then Wednesday, when in coming down the mountains, hikers run into an eight mile stretch without shade and with white slopes that further reflect the sun at you. I've had some kind of virus the past two days, with fatigue, slight nausea, and some sneezing and congestion.
Wednesday afternoon I spent at the KOA Acton campground; a nice respite, with a shower, laundry time, and snacks. It was a noisy evening next to a busy road that the locals use to get into LA, and train tracks nearby.
Sleep has been a bit of a challenge on the trail. I may need to upgrade my sleeping pad to an air pad, which adds comfort at the expense of weight and risk of punctures. Every night has involved tossing and turning, even when there hasn't been traffic noise or wind shaking the tent.
Thursday afternoon I waited out the heat in the small town of Agua Dulce, where I picked up several days of food and had lunch at the Sweetwater Cafe.
Friday, I'll try to make my way to Casa de Luma, home to trail angels who host hikers in Green Valley.
The hiking through the San Gabriel Mountains has been challenging. More elevation swings, two nights of high winds, three days of dodging poodle dog bush and the rash it induces, and then Wednesday, when in coming down the mountains, hikers run into an eight mile stretch without shade and with white slopes that further reflect the sun at you. I've had some kind of virus the past two days, with fatigue, slight nausea, and some sneezing and congestion.
Wednesday afternoon I spent at the KOA Acton campground; a nice respite, with a shower, laundry time, and snacks. It was a noisy evening next to a busy road that the locals use to get into LA, and train tracks nearby.
Sleep has been a bit of a challenge on the trail. I may need to upgrade my sleeping pad to an air pad, which adds comfort at the expense of weight and risk of punctures. Every night has involved tossing and turning, even when there hasn't been traffic noise or wind shaking the tent.
Thursday afternoon I waited out the heat in the small town of Agua Dulce, where I picked up several days of food and had lunch at the Sweetwater Cafe.
Friday, I'll try to make my way to Casa de Luma, home to trail angels who host hikers in Green Valley.
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| Pines outside of Wrightwood |
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| View from San Gabriels |
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| Poodle dog bush |
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| Vazquez Rocks Park, outside of Agua Dulce |
