Today ended up becoming a bonus zero day. One thing that has definitely come to light on this trail is that things work out best when you’re not beholden to specific plans.

We all packed up this morning and organized a lift to the supermarket in Phelan, a small town outside Wrightwood with much cheaper groceries. As usual it was controlled chaos, but in the end I made it back with more than enough food to get me to the next stop.

Back at Budpharm, it was beginning to look as though I wouldn’t get much opportunity to spend time in Wrightwood, unless I left my stuff and took a ride in straight away. I didn’t want to miss visiting Wrightwood, so I saved the organizing for later. Dave had plans to take pizza up to the lake to share with his son who was already up there fishing. He would be passing back through town in about an hour or so, which would give me and another hiker enough time to get to the gear store, and then have a pint at the local brewery.

Things got complicated when the other hikers resupply pick up was much bigger than expected, and then Dave reappeared in town unsuccessful in getting to the lake. He and the other hiker headed back, but I wanted to stay in town, even though I might not have a guaranteed ride out later.

I visited the brewery, which has a great IPA on tap called the O.G IPA. Another Californian West Coast IPA which tastes just like the old school IPAs from home. I get talking with a local, as often happens with me. While I’m chatting, the group also gets in touch to let me know what the other hiker with all the boxes will be staying another night. The rest of the group has decided they want to head off soon. I figured I probably could stay another night, that way I can keep hanging out at the brewery and grab a ride as Dave returns from dropping off the others.

Soon, a familiar face appears at the brewery. A driver from Idyllwild who I chatted with at one point, he’s going the same way as me and I now have more options for a ride out of town. I organize a lift for when he comes back through town, which gives me time to finish my pint, farewell the locals and pick up a pizza from the highly recommended place over the road.

In the end, I make it back with plenty of time to set up camp again, and eat pizza for dinner. No worries about transport, or missing out on a town experience, the trail provides.