The storm passed through before we woke up this morning. We only had rain overnight, but could see new snow further uphill. We took some time to eat breakfast dry out gear that got damp overnight. We started back up the 2nd part of the alternate expecting a steep uphill climb back to the PCT. The trail delivered that and more. There were a few sketchy washed out sections of trail within the first half mile that we were able to get through, but before we made it a mile in we ran into a stretch on a steep slope with no obvious trail in sight. After a quick discussion we reluctantly decided we’d have to turn back and either retrace yesterday’s trail or find a way to hitch out.
Back at the campground, with no cell service, we used the Garmin to message Brian to see if there was any way he could get to us. While trading slow satellite messages with Brian we managed to catch a hitch from one of 3 cars we’d seen in the last day. We got a ride with Stephanie with our only goal of being able to get to cell service. What we ended up with was much better. Stephanie offered to take us to where she worked which was St. Andrew’s Abbey in Valyermo. Somewhere along the way we got in touch with Brian and arranged a ride.
Once we got to the Abbey, which was a beautiful oasis in the desert, we dropped our packs and relaxed. We took a stroll around a large pond full of ducks, turtles, and Koi. A little later, Stephanie came out to see if we wanted leftovers from today’s lunch. We obviously said yes without thinking about it and sat down to salad, shrimp pasta, and enchiladas. We were all in disbelief of how we ended up here of all places but as the saying goes, the trail provides.
Brian arrived as were finishing lunch and drove us back to Wrightwood. We hit the grocery store first to replenish the day worth of food we’d consumed. While struggling to find last minute lodging on a Friday afternoon, Brian offered to let us stay at his house. We accepted and enjoyed another night indoors with good company (and pizza, lots of pizza).
Emge Adventures 
Amazing to hear of those serendipitous moments!
Wonder if people who live near the trail are more likely to be this giving or just that they have more opportunities to do so. I’m guessing the latter.
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