My bladder wakes me in the night and unfamiliar voices make me stir hours later but don’t bother me enough to even open the tent door as they seem to fade into the distance. When I finally get off my super loud but small and lightweight sleeping pad, Caleb has already repacked the car. I’ll take Gert and Rachel to Amelia’s Cafe so we can get gear and people where they need to be.

When I returned to PVC, I saw Ravi, who was hiking with Kaito yesterday, and they were now getting breakfast. I’ll sip on Caleb’s coffee while he loads the rest of our stuff back into the car. We take Trailer Park back on the precarious dirt road, but now, knowing the conditions, drop him off sooner for his planned hike into Idyllwild. Caleb and I will join the other two for a second breakfast.

I drive up to Idyllwild Bunkhouse, recommended by the woman at the cafe as hiker-friendly. The other choices were Silver Pines Lodge or the campground between the two – at least that’s where hikers were staying, that we had met. The receptionist showed me into various rooms because even though the loft beds looked cool online, they left headroom to be desired, and are at the top of a ladder.

I chose the room with one queen and two twin beds and I’m able to check in early (because hikers also leave earlier than other guests). The three of them make it to the lodge as I’m parking in our numbered spot. Rachel and I shower first, so I volunteer us to do laundry. There’s a place half a mile from here that has bins of clothes hikers can wear while they wash, but we don’t use them (for funny pictures) but chat on the bench instead.

Caleb asks when we’re coming back as Gert is getting hungry. We parked downtown and walked to Idyllwild Pizza Co. where I used the name Susan for my order since a Jessica was in front of us. I’ll take the guys back to the room for a nap while Rachel stays in town to socialize at the library (a great place for thru-hikers) with Heidi and Jonny, and I sit outside, next to an outlet, and write. The mayor of Idyllwild will be at Wooley’s at 4pm.

This is probably his daily schedule but Rachel was able to call earlier and confirm. As excited as she was, she wasn’t in the crowd when we arrived. People gather in groups to get their picture taken with Max III in the back of his van, as of 2022, following his predecessors, the first being elected in 2011. As a good boy, he’s happy for the attention and treats, something thru-hikers have in common with dogs.

Gert and I each get a lavender honey cone at Icecream & Jerky while the others get fruit flavors and chunks in theirs. There are three ice cream shops from one viewpoint, so this town really knows its audience. Especially with Nomad Ventures where a hiker would be able to get everything they need to start a long-distance trail. We only had a chance to glance at the stickers, though, before they told us they were closing.

I get a message from Trailer Park about his bloody chainsaw (difficulty getting a hitch into town) and asking for a ride. I’ll see him outside Lake Hemet Market and though I know his knee is bothering him, I didn’t think to ask where he detoured off the trail about halfway through to Idyllwild, but he hiked about six miles to the highway to avoid the upcoming 15 he still had ahead. I’ll take him to the room after a pit stop for drinks to freshen up for dinner at Lumber Mill.

The five of us are joined by Graham, a lone hiker about a day or two ahead of us. Zero days (no trail miles for recovery) and long water carries have a way of pacing people in the desert. I get corn nuggets for the table to try. It’s neat traveling with people in different age ranges from various states and countries as we introduce each other to things familiar to ourselves.

Rachel and I debate going out in the rain with our socks and sandals on (gotta keep the toes warm while still letting our feet breathe) and I figure there is more than this gentle spattering of water ahead on the trail and get going to the car. Back in the room, there is the choice of beer, chai tea from Gert, or coffee options (a favorite). Once the last sip is taken, Trailer Park sets up on the floor, and the lights are off.