Day 1: The Journey Begins
After navigating a bit of traffic, I got to my parents' place. It's always great to see them, especially since they're in their seventies, and you never know how much time you have left with your folks. Mom, being the gem she is, cooked up an amazing shrimp scampi with garlic bread for dinner. We hung out, watched some Dateline, and had a good time. I crashed around 10 PM but didn't sleep too well—too many thoughts about the trip running through my head.
The alarm went off at 4:45 AM, but I hit snooze and ended up getting up around 5:45. After getting ready and saying goodbye to my dogs (and a minor fiasco with forgetting my iPhone inside the locked house), I was on my way. Stopped by Starbucks for some fuel and took care of business one last time before heading up the mountain. The drive to the Momyer Trailhead was foggy and drizzly, but the weather seemed to be clearing up.
The parking lot was packed with backpackers. I tried to get a head start on the trail but quickly realized I was out of backpacking shape. The trail was steep—about 2000 feet up in 3 miles—and I had to take several breaks to catch my breath. I finally made it to the San Gorgonio Wilderness sign and knew I was close to the Alger Creek camp.
Setting Up Camp: Finding Peace in Solitude
To my surprise, the camp wasn't too crowded. A Boy Scout troop was heading out, and a group of three set up camp a bit further down. I found a good spot, set up my tent, and got settled in. The area was beautiful, with massive pine trees and the soothing sound of the creek nearby.
Filtered some water and made some ramen, which was a recommendation from my buddy Tony. It hit the spot. However, I started getting severe cramps in my right leg—probably from dehydration or lack of electrolytes. After taking some salt pills and electrolytes, the cramps eased up, and I spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the creek, taking photos, and just soaking in the solitude.
Day 2: Immersed in Nature's Embrace
Woke up feeling pretty refreshed, despite a broken sleep due to hip pain. Made some coffee and breakfast, then spent the day exploring the area, taking more photos, and reading the Bible. There's something about being out in nature that really resets your mind and soul. Watching the little trout swim in the creek, listening to the birds, and just taking in the beauty around me—it was perfect.
Another couple showed up later with a corgi, but they stayed on the other side of the creek. The group from the previous day left, leaving me with more solitude. I spent the day by the creek, enjoying the tranquility and reflecting on life. For dinner, I had a fantastic cheddar biscuits and chicken meal from Pinnacle Foods. It was so good I highly recommend it for any backpacking trip.
That night was interesting. I managed to get a few hours of sleep before the hip pain kicked in again. I spent the rest of the night rolling over every hour to ease the discomfort. Despite the restless night, waking up in the crisp mountain air was worth it. I made another cup of coffee and soaked in the peaceful morning.
Day 3: The Journey Home
On the last morning, I woke up early with the intention of meeting my friend Josh on the trail, but I just missed him. As I packed up camp, a deer came crashing down the mountain, giving me quite the scare. Once I was packed up, I made my way back to the trailhead, chatting with a few folks along the way. My legs felt off, and I struggled a bit, but I powered through.
The hike back was challenging, with my body feeling the toll of the past couple of days. I skipped breakfast to save time, planning to treat myself once I got back to civilization. Finally, after crossing the creek and reaching the trailhead, I hopped in my truck and drove straight to Alberto's for a much-needed breakfast burrito. It was the perfect end to a great trip—just me, the mountains, and God's creation. There's something incredibly rejuvenating about solo backpacking, and I can't wait for the next adventure.
This trip was more than just a physical journey; it was a mental and spiritual retreat. The solitude of the mountains allowed me to reflect on life, appreciate the beauty of creation, and reconnect with my soul. Whether it's the sound of the creek, the rustling of the pine trees, or the sight of a deer bounding through the forest, these experiences remind me of the simple joys in life and the importance of taking time for oneself.
If you ever get the chance, pack your bag, grab your camera, and head out into the unknown. You might just find a piece of yourself you didn't know was missing.
Images by Matt Dunn