I woke up the next morning to the sounds of hikers flying past me. I looked at my watch and it was already 9 am. I couldn't believe how late we had slept. Even sleeping in it still took forever to get going. We didn't hit the trail until almost 11. The trail was going up now. The desert vegetation turned alpine forest as the temperature dropped. Every couple of miles there were sweeping views of the desert below us. We had 17 miles to go before the hitch to Wrightwood where our next resupply and with the later start I need I would be dark by the time we got there. Sarah and tried to pick up the pace, but the higher we got l, the colder and winder it was. The trail followed along a ridge at the top that was pretty exposed in some places. The wind was blowing sustained 30 mph gusting up to fifty. It was freezing, but it was so cool watching the clouds blow over the ridge. I walked in and out of probably half a dozen clouds on the exposed sections. It was truly a unique view, seeing the sunset as clouds swept over the ridges. When we finally got to the road to hitch into Wrightwood it was almost 8 so I was worried we wouldn't be able to find into town. Fortunately out of nowhere, a car rolled up within 30 seconds and offered us a ride. 15 minutes later we were in Wrightwood reunited with Sam, now candyman again, and pacer. Our group also adopted another girl "Beans" to the group. It was great to have the group back together after chasing them for five days. We all had a few beers at he local bar and listened to a great blues band play. The had tons of instruments and offered anyone who knew how to play chance to get on stage. I totally would have joined them but the didn't have an accordion. Our group split a motel room and crammed i like sardines. I was relieved when they said they wanted to take a zero because we had just covered 100 miles in just over 5 days. My feet felt strong and i was also looked forward to having my original insoles back I my shoes
Day 25 - 17 miles