Monday, May 29 Start: Road near Little Jimmy Camp Stop: mile 407.23 23.37 miles I hike two miles into Islip Saddle by 630am. As I approach, there is a sudden scurrying. My brain goes deer. But oh, look at that white rump. The San Gabriel Bighorn Sheep kinda scatter along the roads edge but then … More Day 23: San Gabriel Bighorn Sheep

Sunday, May 28 Start: Wrightwood Stop: Little Jimmy Camp 14.6 miles It’s Memorial Day Weekend and everyone and their mother is out. The parking lot is teaming with hikers and birthday celebrators. I start the climb just after noon and here’s some of the characters I met. Now remember, the downhill hiker is suppose to … More Day 22: The Characters of Mt. Baden-Powell

Saturday, May 27 Start: mile 356.25 Stop: Wrightwood 10 miles It feels like a leisurely morning because there’s only a few miles into town. But as much as I want to engage town legs, it is not possible because of the elevation. We’ve climbed to over 8000 ft. and I’m puffing a bit. As the … More Day 21: Wrightwood Feast

Thursday, May 25 Start: Cajon Best Western Stop: Cajon Best Western 0 Miles Ummm, maybe the best zero ever?! I literally lay in bed all day and it’s great. The lounge day is topped off by watching the Pittsburg Penguins win in double overtime. Yeah Pens! Friday, May 26 Start: Cajon BW Stop: Burnt ridgetop, … More Day 19 and 20: Serendipitous Moments

Wednesday, May 24 Start: Grass Valley Creek Stop: Cajon Pass Best Western 25 miles I’m determined to get an early start so I’m on trail by 5am.  It was another restless night but at least I’m feeling better than yesterday. I crush 11 miles by 9am. I allow myself a one hour break before I … More Day 18: Blown Into Cajon

Tuesday, May 23 Start: secret hot spring Stop: Grass Valley Creek 11.2 Miles The constant chatter of the creek is like a vice slowly squeezing my head. I can’t wait to find some peace and quiet. The climb out is steep so when I rejoin the trail at 620am I’m sweating bullets. And although the … More Day 17: Heat Diet

Monday, May 22 Start: Holcomb Creek Camp Stop: secret deep creek hot springs 20 miles I wouldn’t say it was a particularly restful night but somehow I feel rested. Mostly I tossed and turned and watched all the planes headed for LAX. The sky is warming with today’s light and I feel like I’m getting … More Day 16: The Beaver Show

Sunday, May 21 Start: Big Bear Lake Stop: Holcolm Creek, mile 286.76 11.04 Miles I didn’t sleep well and I feel even worse this morning. I do manage to get a little sleep after 6am but it’s brief. The Best Western has a killer breakfast of meat and cheese omelet, potatoes and waffles plus all … More Day 15: Cougar

Tuesday, May 9 and Wednesday, May 10 I slept so damn well that I’m thinking, hey, maybe I can just jump back on trail. I chat with Lil’ Buddha again about my options. He suggests renting a car and coming home for a few days. I’m reluctant to leave trail but I still have the … More Is Lion Heart Off Trail For Good?

Monday, May 8 Start: near I10 underpass Stop: Cabazon 13 miles Total Miles: 217.5 As I emerge from my tent I see Yoobee and Pacer heading out. I’m out about 610am and Dos Tacos and Drum Solo are just rustling to life. The muscles are stiff and barely work as I slowly pull myself away … More Day 14: A Teary Meltdown