April 17 | Miles 328 - 351.8

Waking up at the campground, we feasted on leftover pizza for breakfast before setting out on a mission. 14 miles stood between us and Cajon Pass, where McDonald’s was waiting.

The morning began with some light climbing through a dry canyon.

We banged out the miles, virtually without any breaks, and were literally running the last few miles to McDonald’s by noon.

Finally, we had arrived. After washing my hands and face in a real sink I went to town on my order: a Southwest salad and large fries with a Diet Dr. Pepper and chocolate milkshake. It was amazing.

We loitered for a few hours in the air conditioning before setting out on the long hot slog that followed.

We crossed a set of railroad tracks, where we had to wait out the passing train.

Wanting to get a head start on the massive 5000+’ climb that lay ahead, we pushed on through the afternoon up steep hills until we arrived at a beautiful campsite looking over two cities.

The sunset was breathtaking, and we cowboy camped under an almost-full moon. Dinner was more delicious leftover pizza.