PCT Day 20 – Banning to Big Bear (266.1) to PCT Mile 275

April 24, 2025

Total PCT miles: 8.9

Non PCT miles: 0

Total: 8.9 miles / 14.3 km

Total elevation gain: 1378

Total elevation loss: 961

Steps: 26573

I slept well enough last night which surprised me because I was nervous, apprehensive and excited to return to the trail. I packed up all my things and enjoyed a hot breakfast. The food at Nitzy’s has been amazing and is one of the many things I’ll miss. Knowing if things don’t go well on the trail Nitzy would gladly take me back while Ingot myself sorted out was reassuring.

I had debated staying longer but the next bus to Big Bear is Monday and I am doubtful my ankle will feel any better then than it does now. Also the longer i stay the harder it will be to leave. I said goodbye to Nitsy and was on my way to the bus station to start the next leg of this journey.

The bus ride to Big Bear was uneventful other than watching someone smoke crack at the San Bernardino Transit Station and the lady who decided she wanted to vocalize everything she saw and thought as we drove up the mountain. I arrived in Big Bear around 1230, had McDonalds and caught an Uber to the trail head. The skipped section that includes Mission Creek was 54.5 miles.

At 1400 I was back on the PCT. Regardless of what happens I’m proud that I made it back on trail. I’m sure this won’t be my only set back along this journey but at least I won’t be finishing at the same spot with the same damned injury. I’m content with the fact that I’ll most likely never have to hike in the San Jacinto wilderness ever again.

I did my best to keep a reasonable pace taking short rests every 2 miles. The ankle brace is great but it does cause some irritation. I’ll have to keep a close eye on it so I don’t develop blistered. I think the most frustrating thing is I have to pay very close attention to where I’m stepping which means staring at my feet and the ground rather than the nature around me. The first 1/2 of the trail today was a lot rockier than I had hoped but the second half was much nicer.

In total for the afternoon I walked 8.9 miles and am now camping alone. In fact I didn’t see another hiker on trail all afternoon. It’s going to hit freezing tonight so I’m sleeping with my water filter. There is weather moving in over night tomorrow so the goal is to get lower in elevation so it’s rain and not snow.