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

Sunday, May 7 Start: Fuller TH Stop: Interstate 10 19 miles The wind is constant but there are gusts that blow into the tent and I can feel the wet spray of ice hit my face. During one gust I hold my hands up and I wonder what would happen if me and my tent … More Day 13: The Good Side of Snow and Rain

Saturday, May 6 Start: Idyllwild Stop: Fuller TH, mile 190.5 16 miles Our shuttle ride is scheduled to leave around 815am for Devil’s Slide Trail. Just before departure, Gramps realizes that he left his trekking pole at their hotel from two nights ago. He runs over but the front desk doesn’t open until 9am. I … More Day 12: Mt. San Jacinto Summit and Storm Run

Friday, May 5 Start: Idyllwild Stop: Idyllwild 0 miles I’m awake early but manage to fall back asleep after listening to the squirels do their laps around the trees outside. Yoobie, Pacer and I eventually go get breakfast at the Red Kettle but out meal is rather blah. Back at our cabin I start to … More Day 11: A Cinco de Mayo Zero

Thursday, May 4 Start: Paradise Cafe Stop: Idyllwild 17 miles It’s a massive hiker sleep over on the property around Paradise Valley Cafe. I’m sleeping next to the cardboard recycling and I keep thinking that the raccoons will be arriving any minute. I’m ready to go by 6am but the 8 of us (Dos Tacos, … More Day 10: Friends That Pull You Through – A Drum Solo