As I desended Mount San Jancinto I couldn’t help but look across the desert floor towards the next challenge. The San Bernardino Mountains and the San Gorgonio Wilderness towered above the valley floor, every crease and fold created a seemingly impenetrable landscape. 
The desert heat was held at bay by high winds but that would soon change as we crossed under the 10 freeway and into the desert canyons. 
Before continuing we took a detour and hiked up to an exit off I-10 to meet up with Jugs dad. He drove us into Cabazon for breakfast and for some photos with the Dinosaurs!
So into the heat we went with full bellies! It was seriously hot as we climbed up the sun scorched hills and into the canyon of Mission Creek. With little shade and no water for miles we pressed on until we reached the thin, slowly flowing water of Mission Creek. Yay water!
Pushed for about 15 miles and camped before leaving the only water source. The next day brought on changing landscapes as we climbed up and up for a 20 mile day to be near water again. 
As the pine trees emerged so did a cool breeze, shade and the excitement of a nearing town…Big Bear! Slept along a ridge line and woke early leaving time for another 20 mile day that would end at highway 18. 
Passed some awesome trail angel magic and continued with pained knees to make it to the highway with daylight to spare. Hitched a ride as soon my thumb hit felt the breeze and arrived in Big Bear before dusk. 
Laundry, pizza, a shower and ice for the knees were much needed. Today is a zero day so I can assess my angry knees. Managed to walk to breakfast at Grizzly Manor (yum!!!) so hopefully they’ll be working again! 
My foot felt better after hitting the trail again so maybe that’ll work for knees too…maybe. 
PIE ON A TRAIL 