Days 19-21 - More Zeros in Idyllwild

March 31, 2024

Days 19-21 - More Zeros in Idyllwild - PCT 2024

Miles Hiked: 1/4 of a mile on PCT to junction. 1.5 miles to trailhead.

Total Ascent: Side trail not tracked.

Total Descent: Side trail not tracked.

Day 19:

I hardly slept. Off and on with the wind howling at 70 km/h. It was cold outside. I thought my tent was going to collapse but the rocks held tightly. The walls of my tent kept blowing toward me and then away. It’s hard with a one person tent with a lack of room to move around; especially to move away from the walls. I tried my best to stay in the centre of my tent but it was a lot of tossing and turning. I stayed warm inside my sleeping bag liner with my HotHands tucked in beside me. What a neat trick. My quilt is warm. I just need warmer leggings. Eventually I’m going to swap my hiking leggings for a smaller size and I’ll probably keep my current hiking leggings as bedtime wear and throw my thermals into a hiker box somewhere. My Lululemon's are warmer than my thermal pants.

I was awake inside of my tent and got a text from The Burglar at 7am saying the group was packing up to leave. I was game. The wind wasn’t dying down, only getting stronger. I quickly checked the mountain peak forecast and the wind was set to reach 80 km/h that morning with snow rolling in later in the day. Snax then texted, “we are heading out about 8 to Spitler if you are coming.” Which to me was an odd text because why wouldn’t I be coming? Up until that point we were all hiking in a group. I suggested that we hike down the side trail we camped at since we had already backtracked from Spitler; why bother risk climbing again when Failure to Launch already pulled the plug in less winds than what we had currently. The group agreed. I was proud of the miles we did. We almost made it to Apache Peak. Many hikers skipped this entirely.

We hiked down Fobes Ranch trail to the trail head where Snax texted for a ride from Sandy. She agreed to pick us up but neglected to tell us we needed to dirt road walk to Highway 74 (I want to say 4ish miles?) because she was uncomfortable driving down a dirt road. We laughed about it when she arrived and let us know and hiked down the road to meet her. She eventually drove up part way on the dirt road because we were taking too long and she needed to pick up other hikers back in Idyllwild.

Yesterday, we were all talking about renting a cabin together in Idyllwild because it’s cheaper. Snax found a great deal on Air B&B. However today, Snax and Failure to Launch decided they wanted their own hotel room. I didn’t mind but it sounded like The Burglar was hesitant. He’s concerned about spending too much money in trail towns. I don’t blame him. Trail towns are like vortexes. They suck you in. They’re also expensive.

I barely had cell reception but was able to log on to book a queen room at Idyllwild Inn. The others also booked in at the same hotel. Upon arrival I found out that my room actually wasn’t at the Idyllwild Inn but at their newly purchased Strawberry Creek Inn, a 15 minute walk down the highway heading out of town. Now, I usually wouldn’t have minded except for the fact that a major storm was coming in, my friends were at the Inn in town, and there’s no sidewalks to their other property. No where in the reservation stated my room was at this other Inn. The address and details all showed the Idyllwild Inn. I was incredibly disappointed but they refused to cancel my reservation.

We arrived around 11am so none of us were able to check in right away. We dropped our packs in the lobby of the Idyllwild Inn and went over to the brewpub for lunch. The others were able to check in early at 1pm so I wandered down the highway, over to the Strawberry Creek Inn to see if they’d let me check in early without success. I was exhausted from not sleeping last night so I waited in their lobby until after 3 when I was given my room code. The room was ready the entire time but due to construction, their policy is no early check ins, even though I waited in the lobby with construction ongoing around me. Silly.

The room was cute but had a tiny shower stall, not built for tall or wide people. I was just happy to have a warm bed.

Day 20:

The storm was here. It started as rain but quickly turned to snow. I hibernated in my room the entire day because I didn’t feel it was safe to walk into the heart of town. It was isolating in a way because I would have loved to have met other hikers in town but I used it to rest and truly take a zero. I bought some groceries and wine in town yesterday so I was set although my room doesn’t have a microwave so that sucks. I watched some movies, researched new backpacks (still haven’t bit the bullet but I’ve narrowed it down) and veged. It was a good day overall.

Day 21:

I decided to stay in Idyllwild a third night because the weather was still bad today. I booked in at the actual Idyllwild Inn (I called to confirm this time). I was so happy to be in town! I asked the group if they wanted to meet for lunch since I needed to check out of the Strawberry Creek Inn at 11am and couldn’t check in to the Idyllwild Inn until 1pm. I didn’t get a response from The Burglar and later found out he hiked out earlier this morning. Understandable given finances and such. Hopefully the storm wasn’t too bad for him because it was really snowing hard in town! Snax and Failure to Launch accepted my invitation.

We walked around Idyllwild trying to find a lunch spot open on Easter Sunday. It was harder than we thought it would be! We finally found a table at Mama’s Egg House and had brunch. My omelette was delicious! They told me they’re staying in town for at least a few more days to wait for a parcel. I’m not sure when I’m hiking out because of the storm. I don’t want to get caught in bad weather on the mountain, especially alone. They suggested I skip to Big Bear to be with the OG tramily but I’m not interested in skipping so many miles. It wouldn’t feel like a true thru hike to me. I was prepared to wait out some storms; starting in early March, you sort of have to. Skipping some is necessary due to weather and unsafe conditions but skipping all the way to Big Bear is a stretch.

Something about the conversation seemed odd. They admitted they would prefer to hike alone because they weren’t able to “see the PCT” with a group. I didn’t quite understand since we’ve been hiking less miles, breaking multiple times a day and generally having fun. Or so I thought, at least until the other night on the mountain. But ultimately, I respect whatever their wishes are. The day getting left on the mountain made me question the group anyway. We agreed we wouldn’t leave anyone. Yet that happened. I chalk it up to miscommunication but it really didn’t make me feel too good. Sometimes you need to follow your instincts. I’ve certainly enjoyed my time with Snax and Failure to Launch but I can’t hang around in Idyllwild waiting forever anyway.

After brunch, we parted ways. I checked into my room and did some errands. I got to do laundry, have a relaxing soak in the tub and go for a walk around Idyllwild in the snow. I treated myself to a hot chocolate and muffin from Pure Bean and had a nice chat with the local guy selling firewood. He made a snow bunny on top of his truck. That’s part of the gem of Idyllwild. I love this town. It really is quaint. I treated myself to a steak dinner and then built myself a fire in my rooms wood burning fireplace! What luxury!