Day 6, 3/22/20, mile 63.7
Let’s cover the firsts. Yesterday, I had my first poo in the snow. Since the National Forest has closed all picnic areas and campgrounds, there isn’t a choice. Making it even harder was the amount of people out and about Mt. Laguna enjoying the snow in the sunshiine. Today, I suggested a trail name that stuck. I’ll fill you more in about Disco over the next couple of days.
Last night’s campsite was the spookiest yet. It was very close to the main highway and it was a Saturday night. According to Cheese Itz (spelling?), this area sometimes gets partiers from the city, but I guess it’s still too cold. He’s been on this section of the trail a few times, so he kinda has it wired. By the time I went to bed, EVERYTHING I carried with me is as dry as it was when I started….finally. Small pleasures that only lasted until morning, but the rainfly wasn’t that wet. I decided to take my first zero at an RV park walking distance from the trail at mile 77. I figured I’d take two days to get there, take a zero, then hit the trail with some more supplies. Basically just burn some time to allow the next weather system pass and allow the snow on Mt. San Jacinto get consolodated (after mile 150).
Chris changed all that. He caught up to me at a picnic area where I was basking in the sun and letting my solar panel do it’s magic. He mentioned he was going to get a room in Julian, a small mountain town known for assisting hikers (at least in years past). We had both seen a picture online of a hiker enjoying a HUGE calzone (in his motel room) among other town food. Yup, I was sold. The hitch? He made the reservation for tomorrow. And the trailhead is like 28 miles away from where we camped. There goes my plan for keeping the miles low.
I did 14.6 today. And I’m really noticing my shoes deteriorating as well as feeling too small as my feet have spread out already. I messaged Sarah and asked kindly for her to send me a new pair (now a 15!) to be sent to Julian. Soooo, I’ll have to take my first zero. Darn.
Even though there was a huge bubble of hikers leaving Mt. Laguna, I still felt kinda alone. Everyone is friendly, don’t get me wrong, it’s just that I haven’t spent much time with many people yet. Cheeze Itz helped change that, and then Chris. By camp tonight, we are all together again, with a new face added in. He’ll likely blow past us. Chris even talked Disco into joining us in Julian. Maybe I should call him the Pied Piper…
So trail life for me is settling in. I still have emotional moments a couple of times a day, usually when I thing about people being kind to me. There’s lots of time to think about life, the past and the future. What can I say, I’m out here with like-minded people who enjoy each others company as well as distance. No way I’m quitting this right now.
Off to bed to get rested for the rain hike of 12-ish miles tomorrow. See ya!
Hey Ron sounds like you’ve got a handle on this trail walk, enjoy the short brake in the weather there is another one on the way, stay well.
Pete
You already writting about quitting. this means you are already preparing your audience for a imminent quit.
I am really curious how long you can handle the social pressure on you to cancel and postpone. How long will it last? How mentally tough are you…must be just horrible to handle….
Cancel, quit, postpone, covid 19, blablabla
Hi, Ron Way- Are you still out there? I’m writing for the LA Times about how the coronavirus is affecting outdoor activities. Have you see the PCTA statement urging thru-hikers to cancel or postpone? I’m wondering what your last couple of days have been like and where you are. If you can, tell me some things!
Be safe,
Chris Reynolds
chris.reynolds@latimes.com
Ron! It Miranda and Ola, we’re just behind you! One day or so. We’re in Julian now.
If ore the trolls. This is your adventure, not anyone else’s. You decide what you’re going to do, and people should be reading this to follow your adventure, like friends do, like curious like minded people do… and unfortunately like trolls do. You’re tougher than that. If you decide at some point for your health and others to go home, there is no shame in that. If you keep choosing to stay on this adventure unless there is a nationwide lockdown, that’s also your choice, and I know this was a lifelong dream for you to do. No matter stay safe, social distance when making new friends, and find pizza and beer where you can!
Lol I meant “ignore”…
As your site is named, so should your trek be. The Ron Way. This is your journey to take. However you take it. If someone or something does not serve your higher self, leave them/it behind like so much melted snow after a wipe🤓
Ron! I don t know you .you don t know me but I respect what you do.
do you think people are your friends when they keep reminding you about coronavirus or national lockdown, mass hysteria from the comfort of the place they are quarantine from ?…man I am just here to see how long you can handle that pressure… Nothing more…