PCT Day 9 – PCT Mile 136.7 to Mile 150.0

April 13, 2025

Total PCT miles: 13.3

Non PCT miles: 2

Total: 15.3 miles / 21.4 km

Total elevation gain: 3058

Steps: 34783

Everything hurts when your thruhiking. Every part of your body aches even parts you’ve never felt pain in before. What changes is what hurts the most and is thus taking your immediate attention. Is it your back, your left leg, your right pinky finger. The key is recognizing a) is this a concerning pain and if so should I or can I do something about it.

It’s important to take care of the small issues before they become significant issues even when the small issues are easy to ignore. That small rock in your shoe will become a blister, that small hole in your gear will eventually make it unusable. But if you deal with the small thing early a later crisis will be potentially averted. That said you’re often so exhausted and caught up in trying to make miles that it’s easier to ignore. In some ways thru hiking teaches the importance of sweating the small stuff when it’s important.

I woke up early and did my best to pack away my wet gear without getting anything else wet. There was a chance of more rain today that thankfully did not occur as it’s going to be cool during the day and near freezing tonight with significant wind.

I was feeling sluggish this morning and didn’t think I would make paradise valley cafee before they closed at 1500 hrs so I changed plans. Part of the reason for the change was as I was walking along the trail minding my own business I was startled by a growling sound. I tired to find the source of this sound and it took me longer than it should have to realize my stomach was in fact the source. I was starving!

Back in 2018 there was a hiker oasis in the area run by Mary I believe. It closed down due to criminal activity on her property. In its place multiple spots seem to have opened up. I set my eye on Little Bear Hostle as it promised hot dogs.

Little Bear Hostle is basically someone’s house that runs on the honor system. Cook yourself hotdogs, help yourself to drinks, snacks and ice cream and pay before you leave. There is also an outdoor shower and places to camp outside or set up your sleep pad in shelters. I’d really like the meet the individual that owns this place. Based on the things that were lying around I’m sure he’s quite interesting.

5 hot dogs and a few soft drinks later I was on my way. I debated spending the night but I’m doubtful I would have gotten much rest in a shelter with people making noise and if I’m going to sleep in my tent I might as well get closer to Paradise Valley for breakfast tomorrow. Also these kinda places become vortexes. Next thing you know you’ve been there for two days and spent a fortune! One of the hikers I met was currently on their second day there.

The hike today and the surrounding mountain views were beautiful. I called it an early day and stopped hiking at 1600hrs.

It’s going to be cold tonight. But I believe I am well prepared for it. This will be a good test to see if I need any equipment while I’m in Idyllwild.