Mama and Papa Smirf fixed us a wonderful breakfast of eggs, sausage, potatoes and waffles. They then took us grocery shopping at Von's in Big Bear. I found everything I needed for the next five days on the trail. This is a picture of Mama and Papa Smirf.
I really enjoyed my stay here. I just wish more hikers would pitch in and help. I swept and emptied garbage, but there was a lot more that needed to be done.
We left for the trail at 10:45 and I was hiking by 11.
The trail had only one climb of about 800 feet and then was up and down as it wound through pine forests.
There often were areas with pretty flowers.
This is the first time I had seen a Joshua tree. The Joshua tree produces showy blooms which are pollinated by yucca moths, who lay their eggs in the flowers. The moth deliberately pollinates the tree so that seeds will develop, which in turn will feed the caterpillars. Some Joshua trees were much bigger than the one in my photo.
As I crested a ridge, I could see Big Bear lake, Sugarloaf Mountain, and San Gorgonio mountain.
Today was the first time that I encountered a large rattle snake beside the trail. I had seen other snakes before as they slithered away. But this one was coiled and ready to strike. I tried to get a picture but it blended into the shadows.
I made a huge mistake today in buying my resupplies. I packed way too many munchies and my pack was way too heavy. I tried all of the adjustments but it became very uncomfortable. I barely made it to my campsite by 6:30.
I ate a big dinner and will eat some snacks for breakfast.
I am camped at Holcomb Creek, elevation 6,490 feet.
Drat...there a mosquitoes out and I am cowboy camping. I hate that high pitched whine as they look for exposed flesh!
I am at PCT mile 286.1.
