PCT near Big Bear

Hurricane Helen is approaching Cajon Pass (thanks to those who provided =
and posted the info about the ECONOmy Inn) and provides this trail =
update.  She is in light snow today (4/28), not so bad after the 5 =
significant snow storms so far.  She is thankful she brought the ice =
axe, but hasn't used it since the San Jacintos.
In the (locals named) wind factory above San Gorgonio, she was once =
literally blown over to her hands and knees by a gust of wind from =
behind.  The windmill farm is in a great place.
Here's a really unexpected surprise.  While walking along about 30 feet =
from a 10-foot chain link fence, she heard a growl - and looked just in =
time to see an African (no, this is not a mistake) Lion leaping against =
the fence just to her right.  They are big!  It did not get over the =
fence.  Now watching carefully, she later saw a very large brown bear =
also behind the fence, perhaps an Alaskan.  It seems someone has their =
own zoo up there.  Apparently the animals either can't or don't get out, =
lucky for the hikers.
In this same section, she was passed by Scott from Maine, covering 30+ =
miles per day up to that point.  Here's to Scott, keep on truckin.


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