By: Luke Baum
Above: Backpacking Down to Sleep Valley, California .2023 by Luke Baum
Enjoy my telling of the epic adventures of Jet and Skywalker on our fifth week backpacking the PCT!
Contents:
Day Twenty Nine
Today we began our hike 10 miles south of Tehachapi, and we have 306 miles until we reach Big Bear City again. The landscape is barren besides the shrubs that grow as far as the eye can see. We backpack through hills and more wind turbine farms. After less than a mile of hiking, I see something in the distance, and Jet quickly points it out: we see signs of human construction. This is a rare sight in the wilderness. I saw something dyed bright red in the distance, and I was sure it was brought by humans! When we finally get a glimpse at the whole set-up, it looks like there is a breakfast restaurant just waiting for me in the middle of the desert!
Above: Mirage of a Restaurant in the Middle of Nowhere, California .2023 by Luke Baum
Unfortunately, the spot is NOT a restaurant. It offers great fresh water resupply and comfy seats to enjoy a 15 minute breakfast. I only wish we arrived around lunchtime or when there were other people or perhaps a full restock, but beggars cannot be choosers, so I enjoy my time here. Jet and I take a quick video documentary for the movie, and we are on our way.
Above: Closer View of the Watercache .2023 by Luke Baum
We continue from the watercache and backpack a few more miles on a steady decline. Finally, we stop for a lunch break in the middle of a deep river canyon. Here, a couple of hikers first warn us of a plant that is apparently 100x more dangerous than poison ivy called: the poodle dog bush. By their record, a PCTer was recently hospitalized because she fell into the bush and immediately swelled up. Jet and I looked at each other and I knew that we would have to try and avoid poodle dog bush at all costs! I did not want to be sent home by something as dumb as a plant.
After lunch, the out-and-back hike out of the river canyon was a bit grueling. Because the trail was so sandy, Jet had to take it slow. I was frustrated by the pace, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
When we finally made it out of the canyon, I was just beginning to break a sweat off my forehead, so I was so happy to see our trail going downhill and into the wind farms. We were thrilled to frolic together on the flat, grassy plains, enjoying the sights of the birds soaring high on the winds above under the shining sun and blue sky. It was relatively flat and a really enjoyable hike for the last 6 miles. In total today, we hiked 14.99 miles to Cotton Wood creek and water faucet.
Above: Jet Hiking Down the Southface of the Tehachapi Mountains, California .2023 by Luke Baum
The PCT is paved for about a 2 mile stretch before we reached Cotton Wood, where the winter run off still flowed strong. Now that we were down from the hills, it hits us that we are in the lowest part of the desert. We are finally about to hike the infamous LA aqueduct tomorrow! The next 17 miles are usually done as a night hike to avoid the intense blaring heat of the sun. However, we were prepared to go during daytime. Fortunately, Southern California's final cold front was continuing to bring cool winds. The weather forecast was still looking good, and we were ready. At Cotton Wood, below the road rests a water cache for backpackers. Around the cache, we found LOTS of flat sites.
When I lay my head down to sleep, I think of the precious 299.8 miles left until Rainbow Ln in Big Bear City. I love that it's just under 300 miles, for feelings of satisfaction. It was windy, and the turbines sounded like airplanes taking off all night long. Luckily, the creek was flowing very strong, and I slept so well that night, ready to take on the aqueduct in the morning.
Day Thirty
This morning, we began our 17.89 mile trek to Hiker Town through the aqueduct. As expected the weather was comfortable, considering the fact that it felt like a perfect 75° day. Throughout the day, neither of us can tolerate layers of clothes in the sun. Therefore sunscreen, and A LOT of it, is required. We used liquid sunscreen, SPF 50-100 on trail. If you're someone who can wear a long-sleeved sun shirt all day in direct sunlight, then more power to you!
It was all the same. We backpacked almost 18 miles through a huge valley surrounded by mountains on all sides. The road was lined with desert bushes. It was beautiful, hot, and windy. I'm glad it was somewhat cool for us compared to how hot this section usually is, and it made us feel even luckier to know we beat the upcoming heatwave 2 days away. It was hard to tell where to take a break. I can remember that at every curve, I would say to myself that it would be time to take a break once I reached the next one. It helped the day fly by because we only took a couple of breaks during the hike. It felt like a mirage all day long.
Before too long, we reached the above-ground section of the aqueduct. This spot is notorious amongst PCT hikers! There is a warning to keep off of the pressurized pipe, so i didn't do anything crazy or hike it for too long of a distance. As opposed to Jet, who insisted on hiking however much she very well wanted, the rules be damned. I just didn't want to explode!
Above: Me Walking Across the LA Aqueduct in Antelope Valley, California .2023 by Luke Baum
Along the way to Hiker Town, some locals pulled over to offer some trail Magic!! These locals pitied us hiking in the glaring heat and handed us cold water bottles. They were just what we needed.
Not two miles down the road, we received even MORE trail magic!! This time, it was from a couple of backpackers traveling the roads along the PCT in a van while their leg injuries healed. Graciously, they provided ice-cold coke and fresh water to refill my bottle with!
Above: Jet Enjoying a Swig From Her Coca-Cola while standing on the LA Aqueduct .2023 by Luke Baum
Eventually after making our way over the exposed stretches of the LA aqueduct, we crossed over the river from which the water was sourced.
Suddenly, we found ourselves in a small, seemingly abandoned section of the town called Neenach. The trail runs right alongside a run-down school, overgrown with thick desert trees and shrubs. Just a couple miles down the road, we finally reached Hiker Town! It's way cute; we have no idea why we heard such bad word-of-mouth reviews of the place, not to mention the comments on the Far Out app warning us away! All the world's flags are flying around the entrance, adding a sense of global community.
Before going to the Neenach market, we met Sage and her Padawan, to middle aged PCT hikers. They told us about the perks of Hiker Town the Neenach market as opposed to sleeping outdoors and resupplying at a different location. Without much need to deliberate, we decided to stay the night. There was a free shuttle to the better resupply market, which we needed in order to stay fed! The food the kitchen served there was also really good!!
I was so glad to have shelter from the wind that night. We had been informed of wind advisory in the valley and had been tipped off about the fact that the ground in Hiker town was so hard that tent stakes couldn't penetrate the ground.
I alone spent $80 here in Neenach after food and shelter. There were free services at Hiker Town: fresh potable water, running toilet and sink, charging, phone service, and a trash can. The room was little more than a shed, but it had a door (secured by a rope) and a window that couldn't open. There were two mattresses side-by-side in both corners of the room. Besides that, there was hardly any space. BUT HEY! We had shelter from the wind tonight.
Above: Hiker Town, USA at Dusk in Neenach, California .2023 by Luke Baum
We had a very good night there. Around the "town", a little cat floated about helping us hikers with feeling some animal affection. In the center of "town" rested a gazebo. It was such a cute space; everything felt like a garden. We spoke with Sage at the chairs and tables that night as we charged our devices at the power station. She told us of her title as "a PCT MYTH." or " PCT Multi-Year Thru-Hiker", meaning she has been out here on the PCT for over a year straight! She gave us advice about the upcoming hike and what water sources to look for!
We are all ready for bed soon after. I nestle into my sleeping bag on that mattress listening to the wind outside. Night night.
Day Thirty One
We left Hiker Town around 8:30 this morning, all to do with me wanting to start my day slower. Jet was frustrated that we weren't leaving before 8am at least. It was beginning to get real warm after that final cold front last week, and Jet hates hiking while hot. I'm grateful that the warm desert climate doesn't affect me as much as her, but it also meant that I lacked some understanding when it came to her pleas to start hiking earlier. Regardless, we put our quarrel aside, and we capture one last moment in Neenach's Hiker Town.
Above: Jet and Skywalker Before Hiking Out of Hiker Town in Neenach, California .2023 by Luke Baum
We hiked 10 miles to horse camp all uphill. The view looking back over the valley was glorious as we entered the Sierra Pelona Mountain Range, especially with the Super Bloom of flowers... they dotted the landscape with so much life!
Above: Yellow Flowers During the Superbloom in Sierra Pelona, California .2023 by Luke Baum
Luckily it was a pretty windy day, so we both kept cool. We made camp early in the middle of the day. After taking a break for a week in LA, this was the first real challenge that we faced since coming back: 10 miles hiked all uphill by 3pm. I was tired and hungry and thirsty, and I was so grateful to be in nature at a beautiful camp in the middle of the Portal Range.
Because we were the first to make camp at this spacious area, the pick of all of Horse-Camp's tent spots were ours. There was picnic table, trees, and a view from inside these hills. Down the cliff to the west was a trail that led to water .2 miles downhill. The climb so so steep that I had to walk backwards on the way back because I put my sandals on. There was a pretty river valley that was so green with clovers everywhere and tall trees covering everything. We found very clear water here! I imagined the horses taking this path and being very satisfied with the water here.
Above: A Little Clover Stream Down the Hill from Horsecamp in Sierra Pelona, Califonia .2023 by Luke Baum
Back at camp we met Blaze, and she was among the only people we officially interviewed on camera. An experienced hiker came to the table and complained about my socks drying where everyone eats. It finally clicked with me that drying the socks on the table is impolite while among a whole crew of young cowboy-campers as well as four other experienced hikers. Around the table, I also got my man-card taken away for putting on cologne before bed... at least I don't smell disgusting. I'm afraid to find out what he thinks of deodorant.
At the table, I realized that the day was March 11, and we have been out in California for one month!! Before going to bed, I'm listening to the rowdy campers outside, but it's easier to shift around and not be worried about making noise while getting comfortable in my sleeping bag. Night night.
Day Thirty Two
We backpacked 10 miles to the sawmill campground. Today's hike was filled with similar lush, green clovers hidden in the nooks of the hills, protected by a beautiful forest of desert trees. Right before lunch, we crossed the 500 NOBO mile marker. It would have been a greater moment to celebrate if we had still been going full and true nobo, but every mile backpacked is a new victory, and it means we've hiked about 60 miles since Tehachapi!
Above: Northbound Mile Marker 500 on the Pacific Crest Trail .2023 by Luke Baum
During our lunch-break, we saw Ghost! He's one of the first acquaintances we made while in Lake Morena (our day three; his day one). I am excited to realize we will soon be passing all of the friends we made during our first three weeks.
It was a beautiful hike to sawmill camp while hiking the shady side of this mountain. We continue to backpack more and more uphill. We finally reach the sign post marking the trail to the sawmill camp from the PCT. It's a much steeper hill than anything we've climbed in a while. 3/4 mile later, we made it to the Sawmill camp. We sat down at the tables ready to relax from the days climb. By 3:00pm, we both agree to stay the night here. I chose my campsite, but Jet couldn't find a spot she liked near me, so she found an even better spot. Her's was on the top of a hill overlooking camp on one side and the valley to the north below the other.
The hike to water was very long from the sawmill camp. It took us about 25 minutes, and it’s the only water for miles around. Jet got mad that I rerouted her from her shortcut and even more mad that I cut her in the line. Later, I promise her to be more thoughtful in our relationship from here on.
Above: Entering Sawmill Campground in the Angeles National Forest, California .2023 by Luke Baum
Back at camp, we find a team of people pulling into camp in their trucks. These were "Tree People". These new arrivals travel all around California planting trees, and tonight, they were here to party at this camp! I'm a little excited at the prospect of partying with people fresh from civilization, but I contain myself for now.
It's time for dinner. Around the picnic table, we met our fellow backpackers who will be enjoying camp with us tonight. Among them are Martin the Sexican and Princess Honeybuns. We enjoyed a lovely dinner together with several other backpackers (I'm sorry to those who's names I never retained!).
Above From Right-to-Left: Princess Honeybuns, Martin the Sexican, (In the Green: Unknown), Jet, and Skywalker (Me) .2023 by Luke Baum
Later, the tree people offered us beers, hard cider, and 4 gallons of fresh water to share! Talk about some trail magic! We all continued to hang out and enjoy each other's company until the sky became dusky and it was time to sleep. The tree people didn't have the same internal clock as us backpackers, so they stayed up making light noise. Someone was lightly strumming on the guitar, people were laughing, and others were talking quietly into the night. I thought the noise would startle me, but after those magic beers, it was actually really relaxing. I also don't have to worry about my own tossing and turning as I fall asleep.
Day Thirty Three
Day Thirty Three was a trip! In total, we backpacked 13 miles to Lake Hughes Road before noon. This is how we knew we were getting our confidence back.
Our hike was through burn zone where we finally stumbled upon the notorious poodle dog bush! This poisonous bush apparently thrives in burn-zone sections. Burn zones are where sections of a forest burn away, creating room for new growth, and by golly, these poodle dog bush take advantage of that! You smell these plants well before you come upon them. One of the most distinct and strongest smelling fauna, poodle dog bush smells like normal weeds that spread on the ground but on a magnitude I had never experienced before. When I finally laid my eyes on the infestation, I became very vigilant as to not touch them. We've heard of people being taken off trail and hospitalized because of the poison coating the leaves. For as far as I could see, the trail was coated with poodle dog bush. (LOADS of poodle dog bushes *click here to check Insta for the video*)
Above: Infestation of Poisonous Poodle Dog Bush Around Sawtooth Mountain, California .2023 by Luke Baum
When I saw that, I knew there was no other path for me than taking the road-walk. This dirt road crosses over the Pacific Crest Trail over 5 times, and I could see the infested trail from the safety of the road the entire time. I never felt bad about taking the road instead of stupidly (in my opinion) risking getting poisoned. Luckily, Jet heartily agreed, so we set on our way down the road.
I really liked being able to walk on a wider trail with Jet because we could both set our own paces. But we were entering a heat wave, and it was hot out!! Hayley talks about cooling off in a mountain lake or a random pool anytime we see one from trail. Sure enough up on these hills, we catch a glimpse of a large lake in the distance. We rush to our map and identify it as Lake Hughes.
Above: Our View of Lake Hughes, California .2023 by Luke Baum
"We HAVE to go"
We are both equally desperate for the adventure of getting to that lake somehow - one way or another. Hayley told me she heard of another backpacker who went into Lake Hughes for resupply and a night at the inn. The possibility of our adventure just became real; we decided to go into Lake Hughes for a unique town experience.
Maybe it was a mix of our excitement, adrenaline, and the fact the hike was almost entirely downhill, but we backpacked with such confidence and ease. We made it to Lake Hughes Road before noon and READY for whatever came next... or so we thought?
It was getting hotter and hotter. Gratefully, there's a water cache at the crossroads of the trail and the mountain pass road. In addition to fresh water inside, there's a number on the top of the cooler... maybe a number of someone who could possible take us to Lake Hughes? We give the number a text using my phone. However, we have no luck with that number or any others from Trail Angels we found online.
So... we're in need if a hitch, and we are not ones to waste any time, so we take off down the road in the direction of town. There's a parking lot just down the road, so I decided to zoom ahead and check it out. Hopefully someone was headed back into town!!
Still a ways away, I saw a guy step out of a car parked in this lot and run across the street and down into the small valley below. From afar, I also saw a canopy set up down in the valley. Maybe this was a park where we could make some new friends!! In hopes, I ran ahead to check it out. The closer I got, the more my hope diminished until I finally realized we were at the edge of someone's property.
We finally stopped at the top of the driveway and began to deliberate our next move. We couldn't just stroll our way down into this obviously private party and ask politely for a ride to town. Just as we were about to continue walking along the side of the road, Gina suddenly became visible at the end of the driveway below and waved us down. She told us she heard us planning and came over to see if we were her expected guests. After we told her that we were in fact PCT backpackers, she offered us shade and cool water during this hottest time of the day. Neither of us could refuse, so we followed her under a canopy set up with chairs underneath seated with young people spectating a horse show. The show was performed by Gina's husband.
Jet spoke with Gina about what was going on here, and Gina told us that this Horse show was an Emmy celebration wrap party, and the guests in attendance were the animators of an apparently very successful children’s show! How random is that?
Jet and I stayed for about an hour through one demonstration. After we answered some questions and asked if anyone was headed into town. Unfortunately, everyone was still here to party, so with chilled water bottles, fresh trail mix, and a determination to get some grub, we headed back up to the road.
Here, we quickly received a hitch just 2 more miles away from the town of Lake Hughes. During this car ride, we learned that the lake is unfortunately not safe to swim in which sank our spirits a bit. That had been the inciting reason for coming to town... Jet would just have to get her swimming experience a different way!
We also learned that these lakes haven't been filled for years! Although it was cool that the water had returned, this town's infrastructure was devastated by the flooding. While the record-breaking snowfall runoff and rainfall last winter is perfect for us hiking through the desert this year, proof that not everyone benefits from the same thing.
We were dropped off right in the center of town; in the middle of about four or five buildings. The area was fully surrounded by trees and construction zones. I was so happy to see the Rock Inn right before my eyes. The promise of a warm lunch and a cool beer made my spirits soar. These are the adventures we yearned to share before leaving to hike the trail; we love finding ourselves at random restaurants that offer meals that just hit the spot out here. While enjoying a veggie burger and a bud light in a cozy booth at the Rock Inn, we spot some other PCT hikers across the restaurant. We waved these girls over to our booth once we were both done eating and exchanged information about the trail.
During this conversation, it finally set in how awesome it is to be hiking southbound whereas the majority of people are hiking north. Though we mainly answered questions of theirs', they gave us a few pointers for the route ahead of us. These girls also told us that they were being picked up by a woman who owned an ostrich farm a few miles down the road. This woman hosts PCT backpackers at her farm, and these girls asked us if we wanted to come with! Though not really sure what we wanted to do, it was clear that we needed a ride and a pace to sleep somewhere tonight. It was also a no-brainer to go see ostriches. When is the next time I would be able to do that?? I've had a fascination with these huge birds ever since I did a school project on them in elementary school (complete with a diorama).
After lunch, we have some time to resupply at the store located kiddy-corner from the Inn. I never take the luxury of shopping at any corner store for granted. Opportunities like these are so valuable, and we continue to love our little Lake Hughes detour! After we finish our resupply and cash out, we take a load off as we wait for the nice ostrich farmer. As we wait, an old gentleman walks up to us and asks if he can take our picture. None of us are shy, so we say of course. Our friend in purple hands the gentleman her phone, and with a grin, he snaps our picture. We all thank him, and he thanks us, saying that we are the brightest our country has to offer. I'm touched by his words. Things like these keep me motivated and on trail!
Above: Four Dirty Backpackers Waiting For Their Trail Angel .2023 by Luke Baum
We are picked up by the kind woman, and she drove us to her Ostrich Farm. As we pull up to the farm, I'm amazed to see them: there are about 30 ostriches in groups between two-four all in their own pens. She drives us around the farm, giving us a tour and pointing out the amenities offered. This place is decked out with toilets, charging, water, trash, camping, and a grill, complete with little twinkle lights hung everywhere for only $10 a night.
... I seriously cannot believe all of the huge ostriches I saw today.
Above: Local Ostriches Saying Hello in Lake Hughes, California .2023 by Luke Baum
We get out of the car and settle down for a bit. I decide to call my family; it's Mother's Day tomorrow, and I don't know if I'll have service then. By the time I get done with my phone call, Jet has come up with a plan to get us back on trail tonight so we don't waste any time getting back tomorrow morning. I am in agreement and excited to get back to trail tonight as it's only about 3pm. After some looking at the map, we choose the Green Valley fire station as our next destination: just a short trip around Lake Hughes and it's sister: Lake Elizabeth. So, we pay the nice ostrich farmers to drive us there instead.
Low and behold, who would we see there besides our experienced hiker friends: Stuff, Chirp, Electric, and Spark!!! It's so great to catch up with them; this is one reason why this trail so amazing: you never know who you'll run into. This crew also took their own unique route from where we last met in Idyllwild. It's all so serendipitous! We enjoy dinner with them before hanging out with just ourselves and exploring this mostly disused fire station.
Jet and I find water (of course) in addition to nice flat camping spaces, trash cans, and electrical flow for our devices. The sun sets in between the mountains of which our camp is nestled. We head back to our tents and Jet and I meet someone we never expected: the girlfriend of Ghost, who we just saw yesterday! Her name is Munchies, and they had both planned to hike the PCT this year separately before meeting and deciding to date! It's such a small world.
I climb onto my mat and go to bed, ready for trail tomorrow morning.
Day Thirty Four
Today, we feel very confident about our backpacking capabilities again, as we hike 13 miles by noon. Early this morning, we saw Crumbs again: a fellow backpacker who we met descending Mt. San Jacinto. I love all of these random connections I'm making out here! The trail was sloped for the entire hike today as we trekked the worn sides of hill after hill. This caused some strain on the outside of my left ankle, but that's nothing I can't simply massage out during breaks.
We stop for lunch around 11:30am after hiking 12.5 miles from camp. I'm so psyched to find a convenient water cash of fresh drinkable water! Here we agree we are both too hungry to wait for lunch (understandably after the hard push we made!). Once she was done eating, Jet found a spot on the Far Out app she wanted to go to and stop for a siesta. I trusted whatever she wanted.
We packed up and hiked about half-a-mile from the road. Jet led us across a series of small streams, around large bushes, and then under some shade cast by a huge tree. Here, there was a hiker already cashed out, face first on his bright orange sleeping pad (I later found out his name was Starburst). The heat doesn't affect me as much, but I sure love lounging in the middle of the day after hiking all morning! I rolled out my small magic carpet, settled down and took a siesta myself in this 90 degree desert heat.
After my nap, I woke up to someone new sitting in our circle (the name was Merry Poppins, but I remembered him by the Skyrim Dragonborn tattoo on his leg), and Starburst was now awake and able to introduce himself. It was 4:00pm by now, and Jet wanted to leave by 5:00, so we decided on an early dinner before our sunset hike. I ate another hot meal for dinner, enjoyed the company of easy-going people, and set out to hike by 5:00.
From our shady spot under the tree, we hiked 2.5 miles uphill. It was a steep climb that took us a couple of hours, but when we were ready, we found beautiful camp with a mountain spring tucked away up in the trees. It's super buggy here!!! They're all attracted to the spring water flowing from the pipe out the side of the mountain. It's obvious that setting up camp here would be a nightmare, so I decide to only set up the DDXL bug net tent for the both of us.
Before the sun went down, I turned on my phone's cell service to see I have a lucky bar. I do! It's Mother's Day, and I really miss my mom at home. I call her and tell her I love her, we chit-chat for a bit, and then it's time for bed. It's a really touching moment for me.
When I get back to our tent, I tuck in, and Hayley and I both blog. It feels like a sleepover. I actually really like sleeping with Babbs in the same tent tonight. It's just like old times. The spot had a breathtaking view of the sunset. I get out of the tent to try to take a picture, but the beauty just couldn’t be captured. Night night, ready for the remaining climb in the morning and then down to Agua Dulce!
Above: View From Camp in the Heart of Sierra Pelona, California .2023 by Luke Baum
Day Thirty Five
This hike got hot, and it got hot fast. We have 8 miles to hike to our destination: Farmer John's Serenity's Oasis in Agua Dulce.
Above: Backpacking Down to Sleep Valley, California .2023 by Luke Baum
We backpacked down the mountain, through grass fields, and over mounds of horse poop as the day grew hotter and hotter.
By the time we reached the outskirts of Agua Dulce, it was 9:30 and already well over 90°. When we got to the side of the road, we began the road walk we had heard about: another 2 miles to Farmer John's right off the PCT. The the scent of gas was so strong compared to the other overwhelming scents in the wild, and it was so dusty on the side of the road.
Above: Guardians of the Trail, Found Often Periodically on the PCT in Antelope Valley, California .2023 by Luke Baum
We checked the map about 3/4 mile down the road from where the PCT became a road walk only to realize that we had gone in the opposite direction. Resolute, we turned ourselves around and retraced our steps for about 1/4 mile (our thumbs out all the way) before Farmer John himself pulled off to the side of the road in his pickup truck!! We were so happy to see him. There he was to take us to his serene oasis after our long descent and wrong turn! He told us we were in luck: he just picked up food for his very first cookout at the Oasis. With only slight hesitation, Jet and I hopped into the bed of John's pickup truck and flew 2.25 miles to the farm. It was such a good drive! I am so grateful for his help, for it was getting HOT out there.
When we pulled up to his place, we hopped back out of the truck bed to see a bunch of backpackers grouped around picnic tables and lounging in hammocks under a covered porch. They were all ready for Farmer John's first ever cookout! And better yet, once we walked closer to the backpackers, we saw our friend Pinecone from week one!! He was swinging in one of the hammocks, beaming at us. Pinecone introduced us to his Danish hiking buddy called “Uncle”. Uncle is a cool traveler who goes all around the world. He reminded me of an older male version of Jet.
Also among the PCTers are the first other SOBO people we've met out here! It was so amazing to be here with so many people again. We settled down, set up camp, cleaned our clothes, and helped Farmer John set up his cookout for everyone. It's so relaxing here.
Hiding on the porch, I found Mule: an older PCT MYTH who practically lives on trail. He told me all about how nobody knows how to do anything right these days. I listen to him and admire his ginormous backpack and learned wisdom.
Farmer John is so nice and accommodating. The amenities offered at the Backpacker Oasis include: a finished outhouse with running water and a proper toilet stocked with soap, toilet paper, and towels to dry our hands; laundry machines that cleaned our clothes better than they had been cleaned any other time on trail (very nice); a shower, but it is an outdoor shower with a gross thick red fabric curtain... and I shall not say any more about the shower... at least he has one; multiple potable water stations; and lots of trash bins.
There are neat paths leading around the entire property that took me all around the oasis. Under the spacious covered patio, there are kiddy pools, benches, tables, hammocks, a hiker box, lights, and the whole thing is rigged with a misting machine that goes off when it gets reeeaal hot. On the front porch you can find charging outlets galore, multiple scales to weigh your gear and yourself, and more chairs and a larger table. Deep into the lot, there are camping spots that Jet and I set up at, but there are spots all around!
Above: Our Camp at Farmer John's Serenity's Oasis in Agua Dulce, California .2023 by Luke Baum
Before going to dinner, we decided to zero for the next day. It's just a short 3/4 mile walk down the road to the center of Agua Dulce. For dinner, we invite Pinecone and Uncle to eat with us at the Mexican place in town. There are about ten buildings on this street, and half of them are restaurants. I'm so excited to zero here to tomorrow and be treated to warm kitchen-cooked meals. It was so cool to catch up with Pinecone again and learn about Uncle's life. We share two pitchers of margaritas and are stuffed before heading back out to the oasis.
Above From Left-to-Right: Skywalker, Uncle, and Pinecone Enjoying Provisions at Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant in Agua Dulce, California .2023 by Hayley Babbitt
It's almost nighttime, and the sun has set by the time we get back. I get ready for bed and tuck in. I'm so happy to be in town. I'm also glad that our luck turned around after our hike and we had an incredibly fun day. We have so many adventures ahead. We have backpacked 112 miles from Tehachapi, and we still have 204 miles remaining before we reach Rainbow Ln. near Big Bear City! Night night.
After Thoughts:
I look back and realize I would have taken more pictures with the people I met on trail had I known I would miss them so much. After all the time, it would be touching to see their faces again, but I know Hayley captured a lot of memories and faces from our adventure. Stay tuned for our updates... who knows when they'll be published!
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