Southern California
Starting: Section B4 - Thule Canyon
Ending:  Section B5 - Idyllwild

Awoke at dawn with plans to haul ass the 15 miles to the Palms-to-Pines highway, walk 1 more mile to the Paradise Cafe for lunch, then hitch 15 miles to Idyllwild.

Made it to the cafe by 1 & had the legendary "Jose Burger". Lived up to its reputation.

Caught my 1st hitch in 5 minutes, which would begin an incredible set of circumstances. The couple giving me the ride was following their nephew, Stephen Gookin, who was also hiking the PCT. We chatted about the trail & they dropped me off in Mountain Center where I could get another hitch into Idyllwild.

I realized I had left my camera in their backseat just as their car disappeared from view. Feeling sick, I caught another hitch & checked into the Tahquitz Inn disheartened, my tail between my legs.

Placed a frantic call to the amazing Natalie, who had the Gookins on the phone within 3 HOURS!! They are mailing my camera ahead to Big Bear.

Unbelievable...