Day 15 – san bernardino national Forest to near hIghway 38

April 11 | Miles 235.5 - 250

It was a climbing day.

As the sun rose in the sky, I made my way up and across the tree-littered trail. Almost all of the vegetation was burnt.

I got service for the first time in a while, and the chance to call mom (hey mom!), who informed me, reading along from her guidebook, that the climb from San Gorgonio Pass up into the San Bernardinos was the largest northbound climb on the PCT, totaling about 7,000 feet over 40-something miles.

The trail was dry and sandy, the ground covered in a thick layer of pine needles that perfumed the air. My dad and I always talk about that smell–classic California. I was channeling him today.

For about 4-5 miles above 8,000 feet, the trail was pretty snow-covered, which made for slow going. Honestly, I enjoyed it this time.

My view at lunch was pretty sweet. I sat, as usual, on my trusty deflated birthday balloon.

From there, it got overcast. I layered up and sucked it up.

I finally got a good look at Mission Creek from above (never again):

There was more climbing…

And eventually it got so cold I couldn’t take any more pictures. I settled down at a suitable flat spot, weary and done with the cold.

Little did I know that was just the beginning…