[pct-l] Rate a Trail Town in the South

[montedodge at msn.com (Monte Dodge)]

 Warner Springs?? Awesome first pit stop for the thru-hiker! Cheap rooms , nice pools and decent food at resort.
 Julian?? Good shakes, rooms are a bit high though. Many thru-hikers miss this place which is a mistake as it really is a nice break from heat and blisters early on your trip.
 Anza?? Paul; and Pat's HIker Oasis is like home away from home. They offer a great place the sleep on a nice bed of grass. Also the little diner a mile down from the Palm to Pine highway is a good stop. Pizza in town and a by-monthly flee market with good fruit and vegs.
  Idlewilde??  Pass!!! This overrated, overused trail town may have been great in the 70's or early 80's ,but is now as relaxing as a day in " Disneyland" only without Micky!!  Constant traffic of Harley's and weekend " Get-a Way" types love this town to death.  As a resupply stop, it is a steep drop down to the town from the PCT and a steep climb up only drop 8,000ft. to Cabazon.. You still need a small hitch to to and from town as well.
 Cabazon?? A pit now as it was 30 years ago! Saving grace is Hadley's fruit stand a little West of town and a few truck stop Casinos from dinner. Pink Motel is just across highway I-10. Hitching here is tough. ( 4 miles west of trail)
 Big Bear?? Rumor has it the camping at Fire Station is out now. Still town is good and has everything