Today marked 2 weeks on the trail, and also the end of a week long journey between two towns. It was to be a tough day, hiking fast. I wanted to get to Paradise Valley Cafe before they closed at 3pm.

Mike DeBenedetti had made a big pot of coffee, and once I’d packed up I hung around with him and a couple of others for a while. He’s clearly very proud of what he’s doing and he’s keen to get a photo with each hiker that stays at his place. Once all is done I hit the trail at 8:15 am.

I worked out that I needed to walk pretty quickly if I wanted to make it to Paradise Valley Cafe in time. With my pack nearly empty of food, I could manage 3 miles an hour. I pushed through desert ravines, and saw a snake sunbathing on the trail.

The trail gained some altitude and offered stunning views. While walking, I could see mountains nearby, and the Anza Borrego Desert State Park in the background. I made breakfast on the trail, but I ate while walking to save time.

The environment on trail changed very quickly from desert, to dry grassy fields, to a different type of desert again with deep ravines and even bigger mountains in the background.

I made it to the trailhead at 1:45 pm, 13 miles in 5.5 hours. Hitching a ride to Paradise Valley Cafe was pretty easy, and when I got there I was served an amazing burger with a fantastic Santa Monica IPA to go with it. I then joined in on a ride to Idyllwild with some others, about 30 minute drive from PVC. We got into the small mountain town quite late in the afternoon, and I met up with the original group who I haven’t seen since day 11. They’ve organized a 3 bedroom cabin in town, big enough for the 7 of us. We had enough time for a beer at the local brewpub, then a Mexican dinner at La Casita, before settling in for an incredible sleep in real beds.