April 19, 2007

Ed was right.  My tent site choice sucked.  It was 33 degrees outside of my tent and 38 degrees inside my tent.  My water bag had frozen and Ed had nearly frozen as well.  Not really, but he was damn cold.  I promised him that he could pick our next campsite.  I hiked to elevations of 8570 feet today, in a still beautiful but challenging section taking me past Tahquitz Peak. 

Ed and I met at Saddle Junction before descending into the parking lot.  A woman and her husband were having lunch nearby when the woman asked us if we needed a ride.  She told us that we looked pathetic and handed me a bag of huge grapes and warned us of the seeds.  They were gone within seconds seeds and all.  We were driven to Bluebird Cottage Inn and LeeAnn arranged me an instant visit to the health clinic in Idyllwild.  She met me at my room, told me to wash my hands, and away we went.  I was stinking filthy!  The doctor gave me a shot for poison oak and I was back at the Bluebird within 20 minutes.  I cleaned up and then went to the Laundromat. 

Ed hobbled over to the market to get drinks and brownies which we snacked on while waiting for our clothes.  Upon our return to the Bluebird, I recognized a group of hikers checking in.  Two of the hikers, Bear and Loon, had been trail companions on my AT thru-hike in 2004.  We all met for dinner at JoAnn's before I turned in for the night.