Day 29 – Thursday, June 22

PCT mile 466.0 to PCT Mile 485.6

Day Total: 19.6 miles

After spending a few days in LA, the folks we'd been seeing day after day are now a few days ahead of us, and we're meeting hikers we hadn't seen before.

We've met some cool people, including a girl from Switzerland who is a big time ultramarathon runner, a guy who worked in Sequoia National Park and Jesse from Vancouver, who is working remotely from his little computer as he hikes. We met a girl from Asheville, but still have yet to meet anyone from New Hampshire. Or Montana! Hopefully soon.

I like the new  people we've met, but I also like the challenge of trying to catch our old friends. 

We got up early to hike the 12 miles to the road crossing where we could get to a Trail Angel's place called Casa de Luna. We were hustling to get there before the heat of the day. We saw a beautiful sunrise this morning, one benefit to waking up before dawn.

The miles passed quickly, some gentle ups and downs but nothing too tough. We passed a sign that had the names of winners of a 50-mile race that apparently occurs on this stretch of trail. 

We made it to Casa de Luna, in the teeny town of Green Valley, Calif., by a little after 10 a.m. They have lots of comfy chairs and hammocks in the shade, and a whole rack full of Hawaiian shirts to borrow while you're washing your hiking uniform. We mostly just napped in the shade.

There were painted rocks all around the yard, artifacts of hikers past who've enjoyed a day at this home. In the afternoon, we walked to the little cafe in town and enjoyed sandwiches and waffle fries. 

We started hiking about 7 p.m. and the first three miles were uphill switchbacks. With full bellies and fresh legs we were up to the challenge. That's one thing that's always true about going into town -- there's always a big climb back out.

We hiked about seven miles into the dark before setting up the tent in a sandy washout and going to sleep. We'll be up early again tomorrow to hike during the few pleasant hours of the day.