Month: March 2021

Ran a few more errands and had numerous conversations with hikers and residents.

Habit repair looks great!

Ready to start first thing in the morning. More snow ahead in three or four days as the trail goes back up to 8000’. Even with the snow it will be much safer then the sections I am passing on.

One of the morning conversations was with a hikers who did not make to the alternative route but turned around and walked back to the highway.

Lost my trowel about a week ago and picked up a new one at the outfitter store.

Fuller Ridge to the Faucet in Snow Canyon is closed due to a fire. It will be reopened starting in April.

Snow above those clouds is where the trail goes.

Met a Trappist this morning when shopping for groceries.

Cleaning continues. Amazed by how dirty everything gets living outside.

Followed up on repairs to my habit. Quilt shop forwarded me to a women, but she was getting her Covid shot and did not time on such short notice.

The secular carmelite invited me to dinner at a nearby restaurant with patio setting. She has a sewing machine and was willing to give it a go. Dinner’s conversation was great. Many topics including aging and dying parents, Religious life and the church. Very thankful for the hospitality. We setup noon tomorrow to met for the drive to the trail.

Attended morning meditation and St Mark’s Morning Prayer to start the day.

Now in Idyllwild. Time to eat along with getting clean.

Met a secular carmelite out walking her dog. She offered to drive me to the trail Saturday morning. I am likely to take her up on the offer. My other option is more deep snow and a tram to Palm Springs followed by a road walk.

Good to get clean.

The detour at Fobes Saddle is the one I should have taken. Pressed on to the next one two miles away. PCT Alternative is the recommended one. After three hours and really bad conditions headed down out of the snow to Hemet Lake campground.

Tiring day in the snow. Very slow going at times.

First time I have eaten in a restaurant since COVID-19. More snow to come today. First hot meal since March 2nd.

Intentions fulfilled.

Conversation with a woman outside of the restaurant. She is finally feeling better four days after her 2nd COVID shot. Some of her family members have died recently from COVID-19. She is grateful to have the vaccine now.

Another conversation with the restaurant owner Neel. He had stories of always being late for daily mass and sitting in the back at church. He also knew and debated with a Franciscan brother regularly. He got his phone out and shared a picture from a visit to Italy and a photo of the altar containing the body of St Padre Pio.

Snow is coming.

From time to time I would see something interesting and ask my coworkers what is going on. So what is happening in the above picture?

Received my first donation today. It came with an intention. Get a hamburger tomorrow at the Paradise Valley Cafe. Glad to get out snow and was able to dry out my clothing.

I am in an old trailer. Had a mouse visit some of my food. Not a surprise. Glad to not use my tent and sleep out of the wind. Habit was frozen stiff in the morning. Was able to dry out the habit for some repairs. This place generates a wide variety of opinions about it. It is a water cache besides a place to rest. There was one caretaker and one other hiker here. About a month from now it turns into a party, BBQ, and work parties.

Last night participated in video call with all the Brothers. Was good to catch up. I did Compline with some frequency until I got on the trail. Convocation, our annual meet in person gathering, will again be virtual due to Convid-19 and the Canadian boarder still being closed.

Lots of snow on the climb out of Warner Springs.