8th May 2025

While chomping down on breakfast at Grizzly Manor Cafe, in Big Bear, a group of hikers we had been walking with the past two weeks clambered in. Together we sprawled out over four tables along one side of the cafe. Dan offered out hand lotion to everyone, something he had become known for doing which ultimately lead him to be called Buffalo Bill, a trail name inspired by a crazed psychopath from Silence of the Lambs.

Drizzle, Chapstick, Dan and I decided to join the trail via foot, walking from Big Bear Lake to Big Bear City, then over the lake to rejoin via Cougar Crest Trail. The locals of Big Bear have been the most hospitable yet, offering up lifts back to trail or honking their horns merrily in support of our efforts. 

We stopped at Starbucks, getting cold brews for the road as we skirted the edge of the lake before leaving the shore to begin climbing into pine woods. Not long after we also stopped by the National Forest Discovery Centre where we took full advantage of the toilets, water and educational resources. Finally we continued our ascent to reconnect with the PCT, stopping at a view point overlooking Big Bear for lunch. Miles went quickly that afternoon despite the freshly resupplied packs.

At the bottom of the canyon, we stopped at Little Bear Springs Camp, a beautiful stop in the valley with a small spring beside it, a pit toilet and a picnic bench which we made full use of, gathering around for dinner. It was the first time since Julian that we had shared the trail with part of our original group. It felt good to be back, and even though we’ve enjoyed our last two weeks hiking just the two of us, we’ve missed the camaraderie of hiking with this group.

Today was far from a traditional day on trail. Taking this route is not common, and stopping for a Starbucks and swinging by the discovery centre is not something I’ve heard of on trail. It caused us to reflect: obviously the goal is to hike the PCT, but equally it’s to see and experience new things. As someone who likes to plan, the spontaneity was enlightening and I’m so here for it. There’s a saying on trail that “the last one to Canada wins” and I’m beginning to see the value of this.