PCT, Day 19, Zero Day

Published on 12 May 2024 at 08:00

Friday, May 3, 2024, Busses to Big Bear Lake

At 7:15, Kristin gives me a ride to the bus stop. However, when I see the bus passing on a road nearby about 30 minutes later, I realize I have been waiting at the wrong stop.
Now, I have to get an Uber to reach the next bus, which is two towns further, in Beaumont. Unfortunately, the bus from Beaumont is 20 minutes late, causing me to miss my connection to Big Bear Lake at San Bernardino.

At the San Bernardino Transit station, I have a 5-hour wait. I use the time to write a blog, which is challenging to do normally due to time constraints. So, missing the bus actually gives me some unexpected writing time.

However, I don't feel safe at the station. There are many mentally ill people around, and at one point, a fight breaks out, requiring security intervention.

I am glad when the bus to Big Bear Lake arrives. It is full, as it only runs three days per week.

Upon arrival around 5 pm, "Kenny," a trail angel, picks me up. He is a very kind person and drives me to a shop to get some freeze-dried dinners and to the supermarket for supplies I couldn't find at Walmart.

On the way to his place, he picks up two more hikers. Kenny has been hosting hikers for five years, accommodating between 400 and 500 hikers per season in his house, using sofas, air mattresses, and beds.

When I arrive, there are about 12 hikers in total. Kenny shows me the futon I can sleep on and then drives a few of us to a pub for food.

 

I sleep on the futon bed in the back, on the right in the picture:

Pub meal, vegetarian burger:

I only eat there and call him again to pick me and another hiker up, as it's too loud for me to stay longer, and I'm very tired. I decide not to use the shower there and sleep fully clothed in my hiker clothes. I feel more comfortable this way tonight.

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