Paradise Valley CaféMay 02 2017

Idyllwild: first town stay

May032017
Map thumbnail of location

After our short day (not really a near-o) following Paradise Valley Cafe, we woke up at 4am because we had a huge day ahead of us. We needed to complete the 18-mile bypass around a wildfire that has had the trail closed since 2013.

The good news is that we saw a spectacular sunrise over Palm Springs from the ridge.

Group shot!Group shot!
Fun Dip climbing around on some boulders for the hell of itFun Dip climbing around on some boulders for the hell of it

After that, we had a very long, very tedious, multiple-mile road walk to get to the spur trail that would take us into Idyllwild.

Thankfully, it led us past a market, where I bought (and ate) a pint of ice cream. In the 95°F heat, it was amazing.

On the way into town, we walked past a taco shop and naturally had to stop. It, like all other food in my life that isn't dehydrated, hit the spot.

Especially the margaritas.Especially the margaritas.

Eventually, we reached Idyllwild, where a bunch of us split a cabin and had our first real showers of the trail. That poor shower had no idea what was coming and I'm sure it's still stained black.

Despite having 9 young adults in close of proximity, with two six-packs in the fridge, when Hiker Midnight (9pm) rolled around, everyone was too tired to do anything except crawl into bed and fall asleep.

My first near-o!May 04 2017