Today was a nero day. After another 5 days on trail, we woke up just mile from the only McDonald’s on trail. Yes there’s a McDonald’s on the PCT.

We woke up and the weather was slightly cold, and a bit overcast too. Packing up camp was a breeze, but it always is on town day. Just 1 mile walking takes us out of a valley, and right up to the Mojave freeway.

This road is a behemoth, I can’t count the lanes and I can barely even see the other side. While approaching we see a high speed chase fly past, with multiple cop cars and two helicopters following. The traffic noise is cacophonous and talking is near impossible, even almost 100m away from the road.

The entire Cajon Pass is a hub of transport activity. As well as the freeway, there are a pair of rail roads circling the junction, with enormous freight trains passing every few minutes. Since it’s Memorial Day weekend here, a couple of people heading the other way onto trail warn us that the McDonald’s is packed as well.

We arrive at McDonald’s in time for breakfast, and plan to stay long enough to get something from the afternoon menu as well. Since it seems we can never get enough calories on the trail, I decide it’s a good idea to cut loose here today. I order a couple of McGriddles to start with as I didn’t think we have them at home. Then a pair of McMuffins since they have a deal going. After finishing that, the afternoon menu opens so I go for a double quarter pounder, 3 pack of crispy chicken, and a McFlurry. Between all of this, and the unlimited soft drink refills, I think I can almost get up to Michael Phelps level caloric intake if I have a good dinner later.

After pigging out at McDonald’s for hours, we get in touch with a trail angel I’d heard about way back at Mike’s Place. Dave, from Budpharm drives all the way out to Cajon Junction to pick us up and bring us to his place near Wrightwood. He opens up his section, and porch for hikers to camp, hang out, and cook BBQs each night. The atmosphere here is great, and once again it’s amazing to see the generosity and hospitality of people along the trail.