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, a bit overcast too. Packing up camp was a breeze, as it always is on town day. Just 1 mile walking brought us out of the valley, and right up to the Mojave freeway.

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

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

We arrived at McDonald’s in time for breakfast, and planned 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 decided it’s a good idea to cut loose here today. I ordered a couple of McGriddles to start with, I don’t think we have them at home. Then a pair of McMuffins since they had a deal going. After finishing that, the afternoon menu opened so I went for a double quarter pounder, 3 pack of crispy chicken, and a McFlurry. Between all of this, and the unlimited soft drink refills, I’d estimate I took in around 6500 calories, enough for now.

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