We took an early morning shuttle from the hostel to the trail, frustrated we hadn’t gotten more done, but it was the only shuttle.
Back on the trail, we had a long, slow climb through drab pine trees, with intermittent views of a quarry. We passed a hiker carrying a huge pack, with a hatchet hanging off the side, and wearing blue jeans. He was having a while lot of trouble with the ascent.
Soon after, we were suddenly greeted with postcard-views of Big Bear Lake.
The scenery continued to improve. We entered an area that had burned, but which was well on its way to recovery. It had become red grass meadows punctuated with burnt-out oaks, with new growth sprouting in rings and around the old, just beginning to show delicate leaves.
Purple flowers were widespread ground cover on the steeper areas.
After a full day in the area, we descended into a valley with a burbling brook, and set up camp. Elizabeth had one of Garrett’s spare dinners, and reported that it’s the best trail food she’s ever had.