The terrain has changed once again. Instead of cacti and low, thorny bushes, the ground here is more grassy, with higher tree growth and sand dunes always present on the horizon.
We ran into the father and son duo again, after not seeing them for 2 days. Rick and Griffin are their names. What first seemed like a happy duo, trying to get some quality time together, quickly turned into something else once we heard their story.
Griffin had had a stroke 2 years earlier and lost all motor function in his right side, as well as his speech and learning speed. As part of his revalidation, Rick and Griff started hiking together, eventually thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail together, realizing that every moment together was precious. Now they were doing the same for the PCT, although Rick was not going to go until the end. The trail has touched me in many different ways already, but nothing felt as human and compassionate as Rick and Griffs story.
We also passed by Eagle Rock, a massive rock named for its uncanny resemblance to an eagle. Our first proper photo moment took place there, and we joked to the other people there that this was the place where American freedom was invented. We met Dog On, An older hiker who was doing the PCT to finish his triple crown. His wife, Taxi Lady, drives a van around to support him with resupply and rides. They sold their house to do all this.
Later, we got to Warner Springs, where we gorged ourselves on hot and cold food from the gas station. Dine ‘n Dash treated us to a song on his carbon fiber (ultralight!) ukulele.
Final highlight, we washed ourselves today for the first time. The 7 day accumulation of sweat, dirt and grime washed off in streams of muddy water. I felt reborn.
We cowboy camped and also pitched our tents in case it rained. Ridiculous? Absolutely!