Cleghorn Picnic Area (mile 328) to McDonald’s (mile 342)
The only topic of discussion today is McDonald’s. I don’t even like McDonald’s, I haven’t eaten there in years and years and yet I find myself pondering my order as we hike our 14 miles towards I-15 and the promised golden arches. All American Austin says he’s aiming to eat at least six or seven McGriddles – the news of the all day breakfast menu has him grinning ear to ear. Keith and I both want ice cream and I want red meat something fierce. My period is due (although who knows, on the JMT it was really late and that was only two as a half weeks of hiking) and my body is telling me it wants iron. Each decision is based on McDonald’s. Should I rest now or just push on to McDonald’s? Do I need a snack or can I wait for McDonald’s? Should I pee here or can it wait for McDonald’s?
When we arrive it’s literally just like any McDonald’s you’ve ever been to. I guess that’s the point of the chain, they’re the same regardless of where you are. Keith, myself, All American Austin, McKayla, The Australians (Bean Dip and Moonshine), Norway, and AJ cram ourselves into a both and table and then proceed to order an alarming amount of food. Keith complains that McDonald’s has gotten really expensive. Bean Dip points out that the last time he ate here he probably only ordered one meal, not two. Good point.
While I wait to refill my water bottle a kindly older Latina woman asks me where I’ve hiked from. She’s the first person I get to tell “from the Mexican border!” I’m very excited about this while she is flabbergasted and relays my answers in rapid Spanish to her friend. As we work through the standard litany of questions her friend looks increasingly worried. Finally they both cross themselves and tell me that God will bless me on my journey. I’m not a person of faith, but the gesture is nice and so I tell the rest of our table that we’ve all been blessed. Why not.
Everybody hikes out and Keith and I head to the Best Western to do laundry and attempt to heal the chafe from my pack that’s rubbing the skin on either side of my spine raw. Tomorrow we’ll start the two day waterless stretch to Wrightwood. A two day water carry. What will that even feel like? I guess we’ll find out.