Start point

Messenger Flats Campground, mile 430.4

End point

Mile 446.8

Miles hiked

16.4

Wilderness area

Angeles National Forest

The day on trail

Today was a slower start than I wanted. I really want to start getting out of camp earlier so I can have earlier evenings. At the same time, I love lazing in the mornings and drinking the day in.

Today I also had to attend to some foot care. My shoes are showing some wear and walking to reduce that is causing some blisters. But it’s not hard. A needle, some Neosporin, and Leukotape sets it straight. Get a needle as close to sterile as you can, drain the blister, slap some topical antibiotic over it, then cover it with Leukotape to reduce further rubbing and you’re set.

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Ah yes. The feet of a thru hiker.

The tables at the site were locked down with chains. I’m just stunned they had to take that measure.

The grounds were nice though. Spacious, open, not too dusty and lots of comfy pine duff.

Time to get on my way.

One point of curiosity was this log that looked like a gigantic otter.

I really liked the texture of this fern.

And all these flowers from throughout the day.

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I came across this horned lizard with a red kind of crown. He was splendid.

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And there were some helicopters doing training exercises. At least, I hope they were training…

One part of the trail rode the crest of some hills. And it’s always so fun to be reminded why it’s called the Pacific Crest Trail.

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Soon I descended to a trail stop, LA RV Resort. It’s a KOA campground popular with RVers. They accept resupply packages for hikers and have some camping available. I met up with Sinead and Piñacolada there. Snickers, Snow Queen, and a few other hikers were there.

I went in, got my package, bought a cold iced tea and Dr Pepper, and caught up with everyone. There was a guy who’s son, Ditto, was getting ready to arrive to Kennedy Meadows South soon. He was heading to the REI in Burbank to get some equipment for his son, and he offered a ride to anyone who needed it. Snickers’ shoes were absolutely trashed, so she took him up on that ride. Before he took her, though, he gave us, Piñacolada, Sinead, and me, a ride to Acton.

We went to the 49ers Saloon, a popular spot that caters to hikers. They have good food, reasonable prices, cold drinks, and lots of electrical outlets for you to charge up from. El Dorado, Cake, Janna, and Florida Man were there already.

We all caught up a little. They don’t just sell food and drinks; they also offer some resupply options. I ordered a burger with fries and their house made honey mustard which was delicious. I bought a thing of Mio for water, which ended up being expired but perfectly fine.

We talked with the other group a bit. It ends up the Florida Man’s ice axe was on its last leg and he needed a new one. Since I was carrying one already, we took a look to see if it would be a good size for him. It was perfectly sized for him, so he took it, since there’s no way to find it’s original owner at this point.

We lazed enough and started to head out. One local chatted us up and gave us some cash to “help us out”. That’s some great surprise trail magic — something you can use anywhere.

We got a ride back to the trailhead and headed out. 49ers offers camping for free in their back lot. While El Dorado’s group took them up on it, we wanted to get to trail.

We got back to the KOA, did laundry there, took showers, and got back on trail. Right after starting back on trail we found the completion monument of the trail. We also learned that hiking right after applying moisturizer and showering gave miserably swampy skin.

There was a water crossing which I had to scootch along a log for, like the world’s biggest derp. But then a little night hiking and we got to camp.

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Slow start, great middle, and a chill finish. Perfect day.