Big Bear to Wrightwood

I got into big bear just in time to miss a snow storm. It was nice to stay at the Nature's Inn instead of 4in of snow and 70mph wind gusts.

The Donut Shop by the laundry mat not only had amazing maple frosting donuts, but also had pretty amazing biscuits and gravy. It was easy to get from Big Bear City to the larger Big Bear Lake by bus.

Headed out from town I saw this amazing view coming into Little Bear Springs Campsites (cold and windy) after the crossing of Cougar Crest Trail. Look at them mountains. 

 The trail continues to Splinters Cabin area which has some pretty gorgeous views of Deep Creek. The trail follows the creek for many miles, it even heads to a hot springs. Get ready for lots of wang and a boy who lives there in a leaf thong who goes by Tarzan...i'm not joking. Despite the weirdness, the springs were relaxing and good for tired knees. We got lucky enough to have an empty spring area we could claim as the PCT section away from local drama. It was also a nice change of pace to relax and swim that day.

Leaving the hot springs, there was a bit of excitement after the rainbow bridge. A man got stung by something, had an adverse reaction and passed out. My friend ran to the hot springs to see if anyone could help, one person had a satellite phone and called for help. When the guy came to and could walk, we helped him hike out to the ambulance. This happened right near the spillway.

He emailed me and said that everything is ok. We are all relieved everything worked out fine in the end.

The hike around Silverwood Lake was beautiful and the hike to Cajon Pass was unreal. 

We all met up at the McDonald's on I-15 and ate some food. We also all got dumb after eating that crap. Some people even had to take a nero; that food makes you slow. I went with fries and a McFlury. That went down fine, but then later I added a chicken sandwich and that hit me with laziness.

I had heard the climb 5 miles out from McDonalds was long and hot so I did it at night. Rolled out of Cajon Pass around 4, got to the top and to a flat spot after the jeep road just after dark. That made the climb pretty easy. It's amazing what not having the full power of the sun will do.

The rest of the up and around until Hwy 2 was beautiful. Guffy Campground had good water and as long as you tucked yourself out of the wind, a good soft bed. I love pine trees, their needles make for the best sleeping.

Wrightwood is the most hiker friendly town yet. It is small, walkable, jolly, and Cinnamon's Bakery has the best sandwiches ever. Don't let the name fool you, they do have good pastries and muffins but there is a guy there named Steven who takes meals, like BBQ pork, coleslaw, and cornbread, and bakes them between two tortillas to make a pocket. I wish everyone could eat one, so  good, I'm still dreaming about going back for one. Aside from that there are some awesome trail angel's there. Wendi really pulled some strings to find a ride for a friend and I to get back to the trail. It was a great experience. 

PS. The Pines Motel is cheapest, very convenient, and will do your laundry for you.