Thursday April 7, 2022
Start: Horse Trail Camp
End: Green Valley Fire Station
Elevation gain/loss: 4970/6499
Mileage: 30.1
I woke up at 5am after drowsing since 4am, after falling asleep at 8:30pm. I had a solid night of sleep, which I appreciated after my last late night/early morning combo. Early on in my day, I ran into Steve and chatted briefly by headlamp, and then passed by Brandon and Early Bird breaking down camp. They said I’ll start seeing more thru-hikers today. I ended up passing by a few thru-hikers who were on a roll and didn’t want to chat, as well as Nomad, Mosh Pit, Song Bird, and Coffey.
I kept trucking away for the majority of the day, even managing to blow past a few water supplies earlier in the day though I had enough water to make it through to the next water source. I took a few breaks in the shade, especially during the heat of the day (1-3pm), but mostly just kept moving forward.
Partway through my day, I realized I could push a bit and make it to Green Valley before sundown. So I pushed a bit further than I’d planned and made it to the fire station by 6pm. After chatting with the 3 section hikers at the picnic table and availing myself of the trail magic left there (who knew chilled apple juice could be so good?), I inventoried my food. I realized I will be in Agua Dulce tomorrow and so I didn’t need an additional dinner so I could just skip dealing with hitching or walking the 1.7mi into town.
The section hikers are sleeping here tonight too, one in a tent and two in their van (one of them is driving sag to support the other two). It’s the first time I’ve had company at night, and with the proximity to the road, I welcome it.
With the trail magic, endless non-potable water out of a hose, benches, a chair, concrete slab including a covered side porch, and working power outlets, it felt almost like a hostel. The only thing missing was the wifi password (and a ton of other people)! I freshened up, washed my socks and boxers, filtered 4L, charged my phone and iPod, and enjoyed double dinner while sitting on an actual seat. I’ll be going to bed around 9pm, which is the latest I’ve stayed up the entire trip, because I’m so delighted with endless electricity and back support. Who knew I’d be glad for clean concrete slab?
Transcending Mountains 