2018.05.21 - Day #11 - Peak of Mt San Jacinto

To PCT mile 193.2 (stats here).

I had a hard time to decide what trail to take to the summit of Mount San Jacinto. The night was not well slept, and I ended up not utilising the hotel room almost at all. I kind of decided that I will try to get a lift to the southern trail head, which would mean that I do not need to walk from 3000 to 8000 feet, and the climb to the peak at 11 000 feet with a backpack would be that much easier. I damned myself not getting the phone number of the owner of the hotel, who said previously that she could give me a ride after seven if I knew the exact time. As I went and got my resupply package from the post office at 7am, I could have done this.

The lady at the post office was a bit irritated as I knocked the door 5 to 7. Nevertheless, I got the package even as she did not find it first. I had my first name written in it, where as she looked it by my last name. You would think it does not matter as you have the tracking code and full name in print in it, but I got lectured anyway.

I got no lift within 10 minutes so then I just walked to the other trail head which was closer, but also meant that I needed to ascend the whole way up. On the plus side, I could hide my backpack to the woods and visit the peak and climb the last 3000 feet without extra weight.

On a way to the peak. It is somehow special to get above the clouds with the power of your own feet.

I have a bad habit of second guessing myself. I cursed the choices I made in town and with the trail head. Overall, the day was still nice as I met a nice actress from LA doing a day hike. I socialized with her quite a bit. I also met an English man living in the neighbourhood. He was descending from the summit with his dog. Being a biologist, he knew the area well, and also had Finnish friends. Being around nice people made my day.

I decided to leave my olive oil nalgene bottle to the hotel from a moments spur. I regretted this almost immediately. I also lost my small Suunto compass there when cleaning my fanny pack. I heard a clang at the time, but did not associate that to the compass until later. Well, small potatoes.

The bottom of my left foot still hurt when hniking. I got a good point from fellow hiker that the Altra Lone Peaks are designed for flat feet, and I would need more arch support. Insoles would be in place. Let's see if I can get those.

The author at the peak. 360 view was quite worth it.

The peak of the mountain was worth it. I got the picture of the memorial plate for Hamburger Helper, and spent a fair amount of time at the peak. There was a family that I chatted with in good humour, and the lady took way too many photographs of me. Also the actress was there and shared some meal bars with me, which was needed as I only took one with me.

The views were splendid. We were high above the clouds which were plenty. They were impressive especially when ascending and descending, when you saw them between the trees and in comparison to the surrounding objects.

Benefit of finishing the day late is to catch nice sunsets.

The visit to the peak did not take as long as I originally expected. All in all it took maybe 4 hours, and I was still able to hit the 20 miles as I sped up when got down to my backpack. I met a fellow hiker from New York, that had ankle problems and finally at the campsite I met Auston again. It really seems we have similar paces. I was at the campsite half past eight, which is too late. I should not try to stretch it to the last possible site caming, as it often is that they are full. And you lose the possibility to socialise, as hikers usually call it a day before eight.