Days 31-32 - Zeros in Big Bear Lake - PCT 2024
Miles Hiked: 0
Total Ascent: 0
Total Descent: 0
Day 31:
I’m spending a lot of time in town but it’s actually really neat to see all of these PCT towns along the way. I’m embracing the entire journey, which includes more than just hiking. These are towns I’d likely never visit without hiking the PCT. So as much as I’d love to be stepping miles, I’m enjoying all of my town experiences too!
Big Bear is adorable! There are bear sculptures all over the place. We’re staying in the village in Big Bear Lake and there are a ton of cute shops and restaurants. I even discovered a restaurant, Stella Luna, that excels in gluten free!
Town days are often busy with errands and today was no exception. I had a virtual appointment with Jesse, AKA Foot Jesus, Pedorthist extraordinaire, to assist with my new shoe purchase and to discuss my feet issues. Honestly, it could be much worse, a few blisters aren’t the end of the world. But trust me, hiking would be much easier if I had happy feet. He was chagrined at my Altra Olympus shoe size. 11.5 men’s!! I thought that was silly too but hey, the dude selling me the shoes said I’d need much larger shoes. So I went for it. They weren’t bad until I reached Mission Creek. I think the water crossing at Whitewater did them in but with only 140 miles ish on them, that’s sort of bullshit. Even if they were too big. Anyway, Foot Jesus explained the process of sizing footwear. Take the new insole out of the shoe, put your foot onto it, put your thumb in front of your toes, that’s your proper size. You don’t want too big or too small. Of course there’s more to it than that but that is the jist of it.
After my appointment, I ran over to Big Bear Sporting Goods to try on the recommended Topo Traverse. Luckily they had them in stock, of course not in a female size large enough, drats having big feet, but at least they had them in men’s. I took awhile to figure out if I was a size 9.5 or a 10. You’d think that would be easy but after my last two pairs of shoes failing, I’m really picky now. I decided to go with the size 9.5 (2 full sizes down from my previous shoes!!) because they fit like a glove. I’m just hoping they do the trick. Please shoes, don’t fail me!
Dr. Jess, a Big Bear physiotherapist was able to fit me in between her other commitments today so she stopped by my hotel room to give me an amazing, yet eye opening, treatment. Apparently my ankle was never set right after my fracture years ago. And this entire time I’ve been walking incorrectly. She was able to diagnose my knee issue after about two minutes of just observation of my knees while walking. I knew I had an overpronation issue, but I didn’t know it stemmed from my locked ankle. She did some manual treatment and released my angry hamstrings, quads and calves while resetting my ankle position. Dr. Jess taught me how to self release while on trail and showed me how to properly stand so that my knees aren’t locked. So many things in such a short time. I’m so grateful.
Patrick and I met up with Kathryn for dinner at Stella Luna. She got into town today and is staying at the hostel. It’s so lovely meeting other hikers and I’m glad we were able to reconnect in town. The food was delicious and we all enjoyed the gluten free butter board. The availability of gluten free food here is amazing!
Day 32:
I picked up my new ULA Catalyst backpack from the post office! It’s so much bigger than my Gossamer Gear Mariposa and the design is completely different. It’ll take some adjusting and getting used to but I’m thinking this will help my shoulders since I’m not as ultralight as I’d hoped. I wish I knew how ultralight’ers stayed warm in the freezing desert temperatures but my gear is far too heavy now. I keep adding gear rather than subtracting. I’m finally sleeping warmer so I’m going with it.
I mailed my old backpack and my ice axe up to Aaron at Backcountry Foodie. I don’t want to get rid of my old pack, especially for when I’m through the Sierras and can potentially go lighter in gear again since that’ll be summertime. But I also made the decision to offload my ice axe. It’s heavy and bulky and as much as I’d love to do some mountaineering, I’m going to take the path of least resistance. Hopefully I made the right call. I’ll need it for the Sierras.
Patrick has decided to go on ahead as he has work meetings requiring him to get to Cajon Pass in 3-4 days. As much as I’d love to hike 16-20 mile days, that’s beyond my capabilities, especially in the snow. Kathryn, Patrick and I went out for dinner at a lovely Italian place called, Sweet Basil Bistro and then hung out in his suite until we were all tired. It’s a bittersweet goodbye as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with him and I’ve learned a ton about hiking. Thanks for slowing down, providing first aid to my gnarly blister and showing me the ropes, Patrick. I hope we meet again.
Kathryn crashed in my room. Why pay for a hostel when there’s a comfy bed here. I’m going to hike out with Kathryn in the morning.
