Mile 15 – 22.3
Talking with a few other hikers who had been camped in the same area as me last night, they confirmed that they also heard the mountain lion and its heavy breathing. But none of us became midnight snacks!
I had a steep climb first thing in the morning out of Hauser Creek. Unfortunately, I had to do the climb with the remainder of my water weight, because Hauser Creek has long been dry.
I was rewarded with some loaded french fries at a little restaurant at the adjacent town of Lake Morena. I ate with a mother-daughter duo, Julia and Stinkerbell, who even had matching outfits. I also received some trail magic – an orange and a ride 0.2 miles back to the trailhead.
I also learned that Ronni had decided to turn around and get off the trail. It stinks losing my first trail friend, doubly so because that’s exactly what happened last year. I’m cursed!
I camped early again because the rain was coming my way. It’s windy, sprinkling and 43 degrees right now! Other hikers arrived shortly, and were in a hurry to set up their tents. One gentleman was having difficulty getting his pitched, and I was able to help out and still mostly stay dry.
