Big Bear to Wrightwood

Day 21
To CG Little Bear Springs (Mile 285.6)
19.1 Miles

Surprisingly hard to start walking again after my zero day. Maybe it was due to the heavy breakfast at the hostel with veggie tortillas? Felt like i was still digesting when i started walking. That changed though shortly and without noticing it i had done 10 miles already before my lunch break.

Quite an easy walk, mostly even with only some very minor ascents and great views over to Big Bear Lake.

Arrived at Little Bear Springs Campground around 18h where some hikers (including Matt and Amanda I had met on the way) had started pitching their tents already. Hesitated though to continue walking as my feet felt quite fresh still and I wanted to complete 20 miles but decided to stay as the campground was quite spacious and even and I was not sure who would be at the next one 1.2 miles ahead.

Very cold wild suddenly when preparing dinner (hands freezing) so that I crawled into my tent early. Heated up my sleeping bag with some sit-ups.

DAY 22
To mile 306 (just before hot springs)
21 miles

Very cold last night. Condensated water frozen on my tent walls while still cozy in my sleeping bag. I decided to make a quick coffee to warm up. Not sure though if that was the right thing to do or if hiking right away would have been better. My feet were quite cold when I started walking but warmed up pretty fast. Good to feel the warm sunlight. Walked a bit with Nightcrawler before speeding up.

Took a long break around noon and packed out tent and quilt to let them dry while taking a big nap. Had already walked 10 miles by then. Quite a few water sources so no need to carry too much water,

The afternoon went by quite fast. Set up my tent on a small pond with Nightcrawler. Amanda arrived later and stayed while both Jackson and Eric continued. Slept extremely well that night, the sandy ground was even and warm.

DAY 23
To Silverwood Lake - Mile 326
20.5 Miles

Morning chilled with Amanda and Nightcrawler. Had breakfast and then started walking the 2 miles to hot springs. Beautiful morning and beautiful walking along the creek. Met Shiloh on the way und shortly after reached hot springs.

Although camping was forbidden there were quite a few tents there and it was actually a cool spot to camp. There were various small pools with hot water (some more some less warm). Stayed there for a couple of hours with Shiloh, Nightcrawler, Eric, Jackson & Steffen.

Headed out at around 10am and walked most of afternoon with Shiloh. Camped in picnic area of beautiful Silverwood Lake.

Day 24 | To Swarthout Canyon (Mile 347.2)
15 miles

Day 25 | To Guffy Campground (Mile 364.3)
17 miles

Day 26 | To Wrightwood (Mile 369.5)
5 miles

Met Warren again while waiting at the parking to get a ride. Joined a group with Snowman. Walked around town and got some freebies such as a hot dog at the gas station and from the hiker box at Mountain Hardware store. To my surprise, I met Flaming Hot there again … I thought he had been way ahead already. Continued to Evergreen Cafe for breakfast with Yoda. Great French toast (yummy!). Almost everyone from Guffy's campground was there.