Date: 2014-05-11
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 60: Sunday, 11 May 2014So, I bet you're wondering why we headed south instead of North to Olympia. Today is about Yellow-Blazing, PCT Thru-hiking, and AT White Blazing. Read on!The FAHthur and I got into Idyllwild, CA last night. It got dark on us and the road to Idyllwild, SR 243, was a 2-lane, winding, mountain road. It also got foggy and was difficult to see. But we made it finally, and I breathed easier! Nice cabin to crash for a couple nights.After checking in at the Idyllwild Inn (We're staying where Buffalo and friends stayed last year to wait out a storm.) this morning, we found a coffee place for breakfast then went looking for the natural foods store. Bought some stuff for any Trail Magic we might be doing. Packed up and headed out, south on 243 to HWY 74 where the PCT crosses. We are now search of Buffalo's friend Connor, or On Point, from Scouts, who is Thru-Hiking the PCT!Heading down the hill on 74, we saw a couple hikers roading-walking up the hill. Part of the trail is closed and one detour is to road-walk into Idyllwild. We ended up asking one of them where the trail crosses. He gave us great directions and we found the little dirt turnout about a mile past the Paradise Valley Cafe. About 15 minutes after arriving, we saw On Point coming along the trail! Asked him what he wanted to do and he said that he was thnking of going to the cafe. Apparently, the burgers are legendary with the hikers!At the Cafe, On Point ran into some hikers, one of whom he met back at Scout and Frodo's. (For you AT hikers and readers, Scout and Frodo open their home, in the San Diego area, to PCT hikers, picking them up as they come into the area, letting them spend a night, and transporting them to Campo). On Point was part of the last group that Scout and Frodo hosted and took to Campo (the PCT southern terminus on the Mexican border, well, way on the Califoria side of the border!).I checked messages to find a phone message from Buffalo, wishing me a happy Mother's Day! He knew we were planning to meetmeet up with On Point and do Trail Magic. Unfortunately, Buffalo didn't say where he was, only that he was thinking of me today! We headed back to the trail thinking there might be a few after On Point, who might be coming down the trail. About 45 minutes later, Heidi and Paul (What a Hill) came. They stopped for a soda, saying they weren't too hungry. I did offer apples, bananas, and avocados, taking the apples and avocados. When we told them that there weren't any other hikers coming through, they mentioned that there is a cut-off trail to the Paradise Valley Cafe, and that at least one hiker they saw had a box waiting there. Competition! Well, we didn't have burgers, but our food WAS free! (FAHthur and I won't have to buy any meals on the drive home!)Heidi and What a Hill had a long discussion of what they wanted to do about the detour around the closed section of trail. What a Hill was set on not hitchhiking. Heidi mentioned about her blisters and took her shoes off to remove the bandage. Over their fruit and soda, they finally decided that if the ride was OFFERED, and we DID offer the ride, then it's not "hitching"!Said our good-bys to On Point, not knowing what we'd be doing next, but told him to text if he needed anything. Had a pleasant drive up to Idyllwild with Heidi and What a Hill. They commented how fast it feels in a car after hiking. Buffalo had mentioned that last year! We took them to Sky Valley Natural Foods and they were most appreciative. When we stopped in earlier, the woman working told us that they have a computer and printer for the hikers, as well as a charging station, and discounts on groceries! Great place!FAHthur and I decided to head back down to the PCT, if there was anyone else who might need food, water, or a ride. After hanging out for a while, FAHthur suggested we take a hike up the trail, we could see it traversing the hillside. We walked maybe a couple hundred feet in and found On Point in the shade! His campsite was a bit further, in a clearing.   He went back to his shade and we headed up the trail. Buffalo, we promised to take the dogs on trail walks!   Mac does seem to walk better on a trail. On the return, On Point met us . He decided to take one of the water jugs we bought, as well as another banana. He said that when the rest of the group finds out they missed Trail magic and that he had a banana, He'll say, "Oh, I didn't have a banana, I had THREE!"Now it is good-by. We'll check in the morning with a text to see if you need anything. If not, Happy Trails and, again, see you in Snoqualmie Pass in Washington!From the AT to the PCT, this is The Mum, Yellow-blazing into the sunset!