5/24/2013
Miles: 21.5
9:45 PM
29 Palms, CA
This morning as we were leaving camp Dan announced that he did not want to hike any farther and wanted to go home. I was surprised but he did not have to say it twice. We started for 29 Palms and got here at about 1:00. Dan moved his stuff to his car and started home. I have put most of my stuff away and had a nap and am enjoying being home.
Dan hiked 302 miles in 13 days of walking and I drove several of hundred more than that in the 17 days we were away from home. It was a fun couple of weeks. I have no regrets.
The End.
Friday, May 24, 2013
2013-05-23 - Day 15 Chimney Creek/Canebrake Road to Kennedy Meadow
5/23/2013
Miles: 21.5
Chimney Creek Campground I stayed up until 11:45 then woke up at 6:40 this morning. I might have gone back to sleep but I was a bit paranoid about bear since I forgot to cover my food bags last night and I thought or dreamed I smelled one during the night. The bears here apparently are not quite as aggressive as the ones farther north in the more touristy areas. These ones will only tear the door off your car if they see food. Farther north the smell of food alone is enough to provoke a car destroying food fest. I am packed up and ready to go. Usually Dan is up first but he is no doubt tired and he knows he has a short day. Of course this is easy for me to say. If I knew I had to walk 20 miles today I would be severely depressed. Not to worry though, I feel fine about driving 20 or so today. I will be OK. He he. A little morning hiking humor. PS What kind of humor is it when you have to point out that it is humor? 11:00 AM
Kennedy Meadow Campground Dan got up at 8:40 and left at 9:30. I left a few minutes later. I climbed 1000 feet to get out of the Chimney Creek Valley to the paved road and another 1000 (to 7500 feet) to get into the basin Kennedy Meadow is in. I am at 6000' here. It is cool, the bike computer says 62 in the shade. The wind has died down of course after my fight with the tent. I picked a spot outside the formal campground next to the river. We have a path into a pool which will allow us a good if chilly bathing opportunity which we can both use (a bit of an understatement). We are also saving the $8.50 campground fee and getting a nicer flatter site in the bargain. The waterway is the South Fork of the Kern River which appears to originate in Mulkey Meadow, about 30 trail miles to the north, and finds its way from here south and west to Lake Isabela. Mulkey Meadow is over the Sierra Crest to the south from Horseshoe Meadow which is where Dan and I will meet tomorrow evening. He will take the Mulkey Pass trail north from the crest down to Horseshoe Meadow. I have been thinking it would take him two days to get to Horseshoe but I realize now it is one day away. Dan will arrive in the 3:30-4:00 range. I will pick him up at the trailhead at the bridge south of the store, about 3 miles from here. In the meantime I may take a brief bike ride. 6:40 PM Instead of a bike ride I read and napped until 3:30 then. Drove to the trail and read until Dan showed at 4:00. Between the store and the trail on Sherman Pass Road I passed the retired Air Force guy, Max, and the retired Coast Guard lady, Ann, from Walker Pass plugging up the hill to the store. It did not occur to me to offer them a ride. For one thing the front seat was full of Dan's stuff. After I got Dan we came here and I took a quick wash in the river while Dan sat and rested. He had mentioned ice cream at the store and it suddenly sounded very good to me so we went back and each had a $6.00 pint of Ben and Jerry's. The Walker Pass trio were there and were obviously miffed that I hadn't given them a ride. In the end I apologized for not offering but I do not feel too badly about it. After all, they are walking to Canada not riding. We returned here and I cooked the usual Spam and eggs while Dan sorted out and reorganizing his stuff for entry into the Sierra, partially for his purposes and partly to get his food all in one tub so I have decent chance of getting all the food and scented stuff out of the car into a bear box at various campgrounds. I was mistaken about the time to Horseshoe Meadow. It is a day and one half after all so I have all day tomorrow to goof off. Maybe I will find Internet service.
Miles: 21.5
The Mount Whitney Area From Kennedy Meadow Road
7:30 AMChimney Creek Campground I stayed up until 11:45 then woke up at 6:40 this morning. I might have gone back to sleep but I was a bit paranoid about bear since I forgot to cover my food bags last night and I thought or dreamed I smelled one during the night. The bears here apparently are not quite as aggressive as the ones farther north in the more touristy areas. These ones will only tear the door off your car if they see food. Farther north the smell of food alone is enough to provoke a car destroying food fest. I am packed up and ready to go. Usually Dan is up first but he is no doubt tired and he knows he has a short day. Of course this is easy for me to say. If I knew I had to walk 20 miles today I would be severely depressed. Not to worry though, I feel fine about driving 20 or so today. I will be OK. He he. A little morning hiking humor. PS What kind of humor is it when you have to point out that it is humor? 11:00 AM
Kennedy Meadow Campground Dan got up at 8:40 and left at 9:30. I left a few minutes later. I climbed 1000 feet to get out of the Chimney Creek Valley to the paved road and another 1000 (to 7500 feet) to get into the basin Kennedy Meadow is in. I am at 6000' here. It is cool, the bike computer says 62 in the shade. The wind has died down of course after my fight with the tent. I picked a spot outside the formal campground next to the river. We have a path into a pool which will allow us a good if chilly bathing opportunity which we can both use (a bit of an understatement). We are also saving the $8.50 campground fee and getting a nicer flatter site in the bargain. The waterway is the South Fork of the Kern River which appears to originate in Mulkey Meadow, about 30 trail miles to the north, and finds its way from here south and west to Lake Isabela. Mulkey Meadow is over the Sierra Crest to the south from Horseshoe Meadow which is where Dan and I will meet tomorrow evening. He will take the Mulkey Pass trail north from the crest down to Horseshoe Meadow. I have been thinking it would take him two days to get to Horseshoe but I realize now it is one day away. Dan will arrive in the 3:30-4:00 range. I will pick him up at the trailhead at the bridge south of the store, about 3 miles from here. In the meantime I may take a brief bike ride. 6:40 PM Instead of a bike ride I read and napped until 3:30 then. Drove to the trail and read until Dan showed at 4:00. Between the store and the trail on Sherman Pass Road I passed the retired Air Force guy, Max, and the retired Coast Guard lady, Ann, from Walker Pass plugging up the hill to the store. It did not occur to me to offer them a ride. For one thing the front seat was full of Dan's stuff. After I got Dan we came here and I took a quick wash in the river while Dan sat and rested. He had mentioned ice cream at the store and it suddenly sounded very good to me so we went back and each had a $6.00 pint of Ben and Jerry's. The Walker Pass trio were there and were obviously miffed that I hadn't given them a ride. In the end I apologized for not offering but I do not feel too badly about it. After all, they are walking to Canada not riding. We returned here and I cooked the usual Spam and eggs while Dan sorted out and reorganizing his stuff for entry into the Sierra, partially for his purposes and partly to get his food all in one tub so I have decent chance of getting all the food and scented stuff out of the car into a bear box at various campgrounds. I was mistaken about the time to Horseshoe Meadow. It is a day and one half after all so I have all day tomorrow to goof off. Maybe I will find Internet service.
2013-05-22 - Day 14 Walker Pass to Chimney Creek Campground
5/22/2013
Miles: 29.3
Walker Pass Campground When I got out of the car to go to bed last night the wind had blown both of my sleeping bags, pillow and Thermarest pad off the cot into the dirt. The wind blew to one degree or another all night. About 4:30 I got cold enough to get up and put on my thermal zip neck shirt (the one I did not lose off the back of my bike in March). I also closed up the hood on my bag and was toasty until Dan asked me to unlock the car at 7:30. It is a cool and breezy morning, 57 in the car at 8:00. I will drive over to the Canebrake Road trail crossing soon and spend the day there. The campground is in a more sheltered location and will hopefully be wind free. I will decide soon if I will take the dirt Canebrake Road from Onyx 10 miles west on Highway 178 or drive around to the north end of Canebrake Road via 178, 14 and Kennedy Meadow Road. It is 20-25 miles vs 60-70. I looked at this end of Canebrake Road yesterday morning and it looks decent although it does traverse up the side of a very steep mountain. I can see the traverse from here and it is intimidating. 1:00 PM
Chimney Creek Campground near Canebrake Road I sat at the summit of Walker Pass for an hour. I had enough phone signal there to briefly answer an email and let the phone update some apps while I read. In the end I decided to use the dirt road. The road turned out to be well graded and plenty wide and safe. It was 10 miles from 178 for a total of about 20, a savings of 30-40 and quite a bit of gas as the climb up from 14 is very steep. It took about an hour to get here from the pass. I have been here long enough to have put up my tent and cook a delicious lunch of spicy Asian shrimp soup with a package of Top Ramen added for extra noodles. Noodles are very satisfying to me after a bike ride.
Dan left camp about 8:15. I will pick him up where the trail crosses the road 1/4 mile from here around 5:00. In the meantime I will play some Majhong and Freecell, read and perhaps even nap. Life is good!
5:00 PM
Canebrake Road PCT Crossing
Chimney Creek Campground Dan came at 6:30 as I was writing the above. It took him 10 hours to do the 30 miles. I am not sure how I got the idea he would come at 5:00 but all is well. We have had dinner and have been sitting in the car staying warm while listening to the radio. Tomorrow Dan has 20 miles into Kennedy Meadow. He will spend some time in the afternoon organizing his food hopefully in one tub so I will be able to put it in bear boxes at Horseshoe Meadow and Onion Valley with a minimum of hassle. At those places leaving food in the car is an invitation to have a window broken or a door destroyed or both.
Miles: 29.3
A View From Canebreak Road
8:15 AMWalker Pass Campground When I got out of the car to go to bed last night the wind had blown both of my sleeping bags, pillow and Thermarest pad off the cot into the dirt. The wind blew to one degree or another all night. About 4:30 I got cold enough to get up and put on my thermal zip neck shirt (the one I did not lose off the back of my bike in March). I also closed up the hood on my bag and was toasty until Dan asked me to unlock the car at 7:30. It is a cool and breezy morning, 57 in the car at 8:00. I will drive over to the Canebrake Road trail crossing soon and spend the day there. The campground is in a more sheltered location and will hopefully be wind free. I will decide soon if I will take the dirt Canebrake Road from Onyx 10 miles west on Highway 178 or drive around to the north end of Canebrake Road via 178, 14 and Kennedy Meadow Road. It is 20-25 miles vs 60-70. I looked at this end of Canebrake Road yesterday morning and it looks decent although it does traverse up the side of a very steep mountain. I can see the traverse from here and it is intimidating. 1:00 PM
Chimney Creek Campground near Canebrake Road I sat at the summit of Walker Pass for an hour. I had enough phone signal there to briefly answer an email and let the phone update some apps while I read. In the end I decided to use the dirt road. The road turned out to be well graded and plenty wide and safe. It was 10 miles from 178 for a total of about 20, a savings of 30-40 and quite a bit of gas as the climb up from 14 is very steep. It took about an hour to get here from the pass. I have been here long enough to have put up my tent and cook a delicious lunch of spicy Asian shrimp soup with a package of Top Ramen added for extra noodles. Noodles are very satisfying to me after a bike ride.
Dan left camp about 8:15. I will pick him up where the trail crosses the road 1/4 mile from here around 5:00. In the meantime I will play some Majhong and Freecell, read and perhaps even nap. Life is good!
5:00 PMCanebrake Road PCT Crossing
Looking South on the PCT from Canebrake Road
I had a nice nap from a bit after 3:00 until 4:30. I just got here and am waiting. It is cool. The wind is not as intense as it was at Walker Pass but it is chilly. The elevation, where I sit now, per the GPS app is 5462, almost 500 feet higher than Walker Pass. It may be a cold night. I may end up regretting that I didn't pack thermal long johns before this is over. I may purchase a pair in Lone Pine before going up to Horseshoe Meadow and Onion Valley, both of which are at 10,000 feet. In my defense I can say that we were not planning to go beyond Kennedy Meadows which means that this would be the last camp and it would be 2-3 weeks later and warmer.
The campground is in the trees at the north end of a pretty meadow/valley, Lamont Meadow. As soon as I topped the climb up from 178 I could see the high desert type sagebrush covered meadow. I was surprised to see how close it was. I remember seeing the road I came down into the valley on this morning when I drove to the campground from the north in 2009. I had no idea it was so close to Onyx and Highway 178. Live and learn.
6:15
Dan is running late which is unusual for him. I started to wonder if this segment is shorter than the 30 miles Dan suggested this morning. We have a PCT "Data Book" which lists mileage and so on for the significant points on the trail but the pages between Walker Pass and the Oregon Border were removed for use on another hike or hikes. I had noticed hikers sitting at a table in the campground when I came here so I drove back to ask them and see if perhaps Dan was lurking about already. The hikers are Charlie (he does walk like Chaplin) and Claire, a British couple. They confirmed that this is mile 680, 30 miles from Walker Pass, before they took to the trail again.
Parked at the Trail Crossing
9:00 PMChimney Creek Campground Dan came at 6:30 as I was writing the above. It took him 10 hours to do the 30 miles. I am not sure how I got the idea he would come at 5:00 but all is well. We have had dinner and have been sitting in the car staying warm while listening to the radio. Tomorrow Dan has 20 miles into Kennedy Meadow. He will spend some time in the afternoon organizing his food hopefully in one tub so I will be able to put it in bear boxes at Horseshoe Meadow and Onion Valley with a minimum of hassle. At those places leaving food in the car is an invitation to have a window broken or a door destroyed or both.
PCT Crossing of Chimney Creek, Nearly Dry
2013-05-21 - Day 13 Walker Pass and Kelso Valley Road
5/21/2013
Miles: 00
When I got back to the car about 4:00 a couple from Oregon were resting at the water cache which is well stocked with at least 100 gallons of Costco brand spring water. I offered them a cold Diet Coke and the man accepted. We had a good conversation. He is 75. I cannot recall his trail name. He and his wife, trail name Uber Bitch, finished section hiking the trail at the Canadian Border last year and are attempting a though hike this year. They started at the Mexican Border on April 14 and are making a pace that will allow them to finish this by October 15 (Kelso Valley Road is at mile 614), the generally accepted end of hiking season in Washington State, if they can keep it up. While we were talking Daniel came in, about 5:00. He had come 52 miles since 10:00 AM the day before and was tried and hungry. He sat down and started snacking. The couple left to hike another 2 miles to their night's camp spot.
As there is no really good camping site in the area accessible by my car I suggested that perhaps Dan would like to skip the next 38 miles and go ahead to Walker Pass. He agreed and we drove back to the pass. I cooked us dinner of bacon, Potatoes O'Brien, and for Dan 6 eggs, in a gale. The wind died down a some after sunset but it blew all night. I slept out again. It was cooler but we both did OK.
Miles: 00
Kelso Valley, Very Remote and Very Empty
I accidentely deleted my Txt file for this day while trying to free up space on my tablet so I will reconstruct the day's events to the best of my recollection.
Kelso Valley Road PCT Trail Crossing, Onyx, CA
After a waking from a good sleep and a nice visit with last night's hiker trio who were eating and resupplying at the site next to mine courtesy of Ann's husband Joe I packed up and drove the 40 miles to the Kelso Valley trail crossing. After sitting and writing some Blog material I left for a bike ride about 2:00. As the paved road coming up from the north was much steeper than I remembered I decided to ride to the south. The pavement ends at the PCT trail crossing so I rode down the hill to the south. After a few hundred yards of moderate grade the road got very steep for about a mile and was hard packed clay with a cover of sand which I equate with slipping and sliding and falling and getting skinned up so I kept it slow and sane most of the 5.5 miles to the turnaround point at Jawbone Canyon Road. I passed the Kelso Valley Airport, a grass affair perhaps maintained for use by aerial firefighters. At Jawbone Canyon Road is a sign for a "Family Resort" which is probably defunct.
Kelso Valley Airport
Kelso Valley Family Resort Sign
The return was a reasonable uphill grind until the last mile and one half when it got pretty steep. I rode up the first very steep pitch in the last 1/2 mile. My heart rate went off the chart so I walked the last 2 very steep sections then rode the last few hundred yards to the top and the car.
The Steep Part. The Car is at the Left Most Notch
On the way back I was surprised to see a large green meadow I had not noticed on the way down. It is populated by quite a large herd of cattle (the cows are barely visible in the photo).
When I got back to the car about 4:00 a couple from Oregon were resting at the water cache which is well stocked with at least 100 gallons of Costco brand spring water. I offered them a cold Diet Coke and the man accepted. We had a good conversation. He is 75. I cannot recall his trail name. He and his wife, trail name Uber Bitch, finished section hiking the trail at the Canadian Border last year and are attempting a though hike this year. They started at the Mexican Border on April 14 and are making a pace that will allow them to finish this by October 15 (Kelso Valley Road is at mile 614), the generally accepted end of hiking season in Washington State, if they can keep it up. While we were talking Daniel came in, about 5:00. He had come 52 miles since 10:00 AM the day before and was tried and hungry. He sat down and started snacking. The couple left to hike another 2 miles to their night's camp spot.
As there is no really good camping site in the area accessible by my car I suggested that perhaps Dan would like to skip the next 38 miles and go ahead to Walker Pass. He agreed and we drove back to the pass. I cooked us dinner of bacon, Potatoes O'Brien, and for Dan 6 eggs, in a gale. The wind died down a some after sunset but it blew all night. I slept out again. It was cooler but we both did OK.
2013-05-20 - Day 12 Tehachappi to Walker pass
5/20/2013
Miles: 00
Walker Pass Campground, Highway 178, Onyx, CA It was nice to have a shower, a good meal, TV and good WIFI last night. We both were ready to go this morning. We left the room about 8:30 and drove directly to the trailhead. I left Dan at the trail (Cameron Road and 58) at about 10:00. I took a leisurely ride down to 14 then north and east through Inyokern to Ridgecrest. I found cheap gas there ($3.85 vs $4.19) then went to Walmart. I got myself more Coke, the granola bars Dan is short and even though he said not to, a pair of reasonable sunglasses. I think it is a bad plan for him to go through the snow in the Sierra with the Dollar Store pair he is currently using. If he balks and will not use them I will keep them myself. They are Polarized and work well for driving on a sunny day (I tried them). I had considered taking a bike ride in town and looked up one of the local parks. It was quite warm there and did not seem like a good place to leave the car unattended so I decided to come up here to escape the heat. Although the highway is twisty, steep and without shoulder I thought I would ride here. When I pulled into the campground there was a couple eating at the table of the only decent site. I pulled in and asked if they intended to occupy the site. They said I was welcome to it and we started talking. They are hikers from Washington bound for Canada. They arrived here this morning and are expecting a friend to bring them a resupply box today. They have no phone signal here and were anxious about their rendezvous and food supply and decided to hitchhike into Lake Isabela, the closest significant town. They have commissioned me to intercept their friend and direct her to town. It is fine. I will be much safer and have more fun riding on Kelso Valley Road tomorrow. You can see I am still lazy. I am sitting here in the car at about 5,000 feet with a hot sun shining on the front window and a respectable breeze wafting through the open windows. There is not really a good spot for my tent where I am so I may sleep on my cot next to the picnic table. The couple said it was warm where they slept last night 500-1000 feet higher than this place. 8:45 PM
Miles: 00
Leaving Highway 58
2:00 PMWalker Pass Campground, Highway 178, Onyx, CA It was nice to have a shower, a good meal, TV and good WIFI last night. We both were ready to go this morning. We left the room about 8:30 and drove directly to the trailhead. I left Dan at the trail (Cameron Road and 58) at about 10:00. I took a leisurely ride down to 14 then north and east through Inyokern to Ridgecrest. I found cheap gas there ($3.85 vs $4.19) then went to Walmart. I got myself more Coke, the granola bars Dan is short and even though he said not to, a pair of reasonable sunglasses. I think it is a bad plan for him to go through the snow in the Sierra with the Dollar Store pair he is currently using. If he balks and will not use them I will keep them myself. They are Polarized and work well for driving on a sunny day (I tried them). I had considered taking a bike ride in town and looked up one of the local parks. It was quite warm there and did not seem like a good place to leave the car unattended so I decided to come up here to escape the heat. Although the highway is twisty, steep and without shoulder I thought I would ride here. When I pulled into the campground there was a couple eating at the table of the only decent site. I pulled in and asked if they intended to occupy the site. They said I was welcome to it and we started talking. They are hikers from Washington bound for Canada. They arrived here this morning and are expecting a friend to bring them a resupply box today. They have no phone signal here and were anxious about their rendezvous and food supply and decided to hitchhike into Lake Isabela, the closest significant town. They have commissioned me to intercept their friend and direct her to town. It is fine. I will be much safer and have more fun riding on Kelso Valley Road tomorrow. You can see I am still lazy. I am sitting here in the car at about 5,000 feet with a hot sun shining on the front window and a respectable breeze wafting through the open windows. There is not really a good spot for my tent where I am so I may sleep on my cot next to the picnic table. The couple said it was warm where they slept last night 500-1000 feet higher than this place. 8:45 PM
Sleeping Out
It is almost bedtime. It is quiet and peaceful here. I could put the tent up on the paved drive but it is a warm and calm evening so I will sleep "cowboy style", on my cot next to the picnic table. "Real" cowboy camping involves sleeping on the ground but I am willing to cheat.
I had a lazy afternoon of sitting around. I opened a can of Dennison Hot Chili and a can of sliced peaches for dinner. After dinner I saw a person up the hill. I walked up and had a nice chat with 3 hikers who are camped there, 2 Texans, George and Max, and another Washingtonian, a lady named Ann. They started at the border April 5 so have been on the trail 45 days. They plan or hope to reach the Canadian Border by October 1st.
I look forward to having a good night's sleep.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
2013-05-19 - Day 11 Wrightwood, CA, to Tehachappi, CA
5/19/2013
Miles: 00
Tehachappi, CA We got up this morning and went to the trailhead at Vincent Gap. Dan said he was thinking about the possibility of skipping to Highway 58 and spending even more time in the Sierra. Since I am not doing the walking it does not matter that much to me so we got back in the car and drove to Lancaster where we got lunch and visited Walmart and Costco so Dan could get together the food he needs for the remainder of the time he plans to hike. We then drove to our motel here, showered, napped and went to dinner. Tomorrow Dan Starts walking at Highway 58 and will have about 150 miles to Kennedy Meadows where he will enter the Sierra Nevada. I will meet him next on Tuesday evening at the Kelso Valley Road water cache which is south of Onyx, CA, and about 35 trail miles from Walker Pass on Highway 178. Tomorrow night I will most probably camp at the Walker Pass Campground.
Miles: 00
Mt. Baldy (10,068) in the Right Distance
8:00 PMTehachappi, CA We got up this morning and went to the trailhead at Vincent Gap. Dan said he was thinking about the possibility of skipping to Highway 58 and spending even more time in the Sierra. Since I am not doing the walking it does not matter that much to me so we got back in the car and drove to Lancaster where we got lunch and visited Walmart and Costco so Dan could get together the food he needs for the remainder of the time he plans to hike. We then drove to our motel here, showered, napped and went to dinner. Tomorrow Dan Starts walking at Highway 58 and will have about 150 miles to Kennedy Meadows where he will enter the Sierra Nevada. I will meet him next on Tuesday evening at the Kelso Valley Road water cache which is south of Onyx, CA, and about 35 trail miles from Walker Pass on Highway 178. Tomorrow night I will most probably camp at the Walker Pass Campground.
The Happy Hiker
2013-05-18 - Day 10 Bigbear, CA, to Lake Arrowhead, CA
5/18/2013
Miles: 23
1:15 PM
Splinter Cabin Trailhead, near Lake Arrowhead, CA
My new bike computer showed a temperature of 35 degrees at 4:45 this morning so it did cool off more than it felt like it would. I was toasty in my down mummy bag inside my cheap warm weather Walmart bag.
Dan apparently left camp about 8:15 this morning. I say apparently because as far as I know he said nothing. He unzipped my tent door enough to slip my keys in then apparently took off. When I got up a few minutes later he was not to be seen. I thought he might be in the bathroom but after a time I realized that was probably not the case.
I packed up and the campground host came by and we chatted awhile. About 10:00 I decided to come here and wait. If he does not show by 3:00 or 4:00 I will really start to second guess myself although I cannot imagine where else he might be.
I think there is a good chance he told me that he was leaving and I slept through it. His pack appears to be gone so it seems safe to assume he is on the way here. Since this is our agreed upon meeting place for today I will just wait here until he appears.
On the drive here I got good views of Mt. San Gorgonio, Southern California's highest peak at 11,500 feet (again the camera does not do the peak justice):
I have not been to this trailhead before. It is quite a beautiful area. The PCT crosses Deep Creek about 200 yards north of the parking lot. Dan and I both crossed the bridge in 2005 at different times in the spring. During the winter a large pine tree had fallen into the east side and about 1/2 of the deck was gone along with the north handrail. We had to crab walk across on the south deck support beam while hanging on to the handrail. The bridge below appears to be completely new:
I spoke with a ranger type a bit ago and he said no one will bother me if I sleep here tonight even though all the signs say no camping. I will if Dan is here.
I got a good laugh on myself this morning while talking with the host. I said something about Po-lee-gue Canyon Road. He said, "Yes, Polique........." For years I have called it Po-lee-gue. I need to train myself to look at the letters in the middle of words. I am an excellent example of the point made by the Internet thing that comes by from time to time which demonstrates that if we see the first and last letters of a word our brain will fill in the rest. Sadly my brain is often very creative in filling in the blanks. I know, who cares, BOORING!
Many of the homes in Hook Creek Canyon which runs down from Lake Arrowhead/Cedar Glen to the trailhead burned in a big fire perhqaps in 2008. Below is one of the many new replacement houses I thought was interesting:
8:40 PM
Table Mountain Campground, Wrightwood, CA Dan showed up at Splinter Cabin at 3:40. He noticed right away that it was a very much less than a good place to stay the night. We discussed it and decided to skip ahead to Swarthout Canyon Road at the base of the climb up to Wrightwood. Dan rested awhile then washed off in Deep Creek then we started for Swarthout. On the way we decided to detour through Hesperia for a visit to In-n-Out Burger. After a tasty meal we again started for Swarthout. As we started up Highway 138 I suggested the possibility of going to Wrightwood where we could stay in a campground instead of the bushes at Swarthout. We agreed it was a good idea so here we are. Dan will start tomorrow at Vincent Gap, the base of the climb over Mt. Baden-Powell. This will save another day for hiking in the Sierras. Incidentally, Dan did not tell me he was leaving this AM. I will asked him to please not do that to again. I do not need the stress of wondering if I guessed right about his actions and identifying, sorting and prioritizing the available options in case I did guess wrong. It is too easy to avoid.
Miles: 23
1:15 PMSplinter Cabin Trailhead, near Lake Arrowhead, CA
My new bike computer showed a temperature of 35 degrees at 4:45 this morning so it did cool off more than it felt like it would. I was toasty in my down mummy bag inside my cheap warm weather Walmart bag.
Dan apparently left camp about 8:15 this morning. I say apparently because as far as I know he said nothing. He unzipped my tent door enough to slip my keys in then apparently took off. When I got up a few minutes later he was not to be seen. I thought he might be in the bathroom but after a time I realized that was probably not the case.
I packed up and the campground host came by and we chatted awhile. About 10:00 I decided to come here and wait. If he does not show by 3:00 or 4:00 I will really start to second guess myself although I cannot imagine where else he might be.
I think there is a good chance he told me that he was leaving and I slept through it. His pack appears to be gone so it seems safe to assume he is on the way here. Since this is our agreed upon meeting place for today I will just wait here until he appears.
On the drive here I got good views of Mt. San Gorgonio, Southern California's highest peak at 11,500 feet (again the camera does not do the peak justice):
I have not been to this trailhead before. It is quite a beautiful area. The PCT crosses Deep Creek about 200 yards north of the parking lot. Dan and I both crossed the bridge in 2005 at different times in the spring. During the winter a large pine tree had fallen into the east side and about 1/2 of the deck was gone along with the north handrail. We had to crab walk across on the south deck support beam while hanging on to the handrail. The bridge below appears to be completely new:
I spoke with a ranger type a bit ago and he said no one will bother me if I sleep here tonight even though all the signs say no camping. I will if Dan is here.
I got a good laugh on myself this morning while talking with the host. I said something about Po-lee-gue Canyon Road. He said, "Yes, Polique........." For years I have called it Po-lee-gue. I need to train myself to look at the letters in the middle of words. I am an excellent example of the point made by the Internet thing that comes by from time to time which demonstrates that if we see the first and last letters of a word our brain will fill in the rest. Sadly my brain is often very creative in filling in the blanks. I know, who cares, BOORING!
Many of the homes in Hook Creek Canyon which runs down from Lake Arrowhead/Cedar Glen to the trailhead burned in a big fire perhqaps in 2008. Below is one of the many new replacement houses I thought was interesting:
8:40 PM Table Mountain Campground, Wrightwood, CA Dan showed up at Splinter Cabin at 3:40. He noticed right away that it was a very much less than a good place to stay the night. We discussed it and decided to skip ahead to Swarthout Canyon Road at the base of the climb up to Wrightwood. Dan rested awhile then washed off in Deep Creek then we started for Swarthout. On the way we decided to detour through Hesperia for a visit to In-n-Out Burger. After a tasty meal we again started for Swarthout. As we started up Highway 138 I suggested the possibility of going to Wrightwood where we could stay in a campground instead of the bushes at Swarthout. We agreed it was a good idea so here we are. Dan will start tomorrow at Vincent Gap, the base of the climb over Mt. Baden-Powell. This will save another day for hiking in the Sierras. Incidentally, Dan did not tell me he was leaving this AM. I will asked him to please not do that to again. I do not need the stress of wondering if I guessed right about his actions and identifying, sorting and prioritizing the available options in case I did guess wrong. It is too easy to avoid.
Friday, May 17, 2013
2013-05-17 - Day 9 Twentynine Palms, Ca, to Big Bear, CA
5/17/2013
Miles: 00
7:00 AM
Twentynine Palms, CA
The smoke yesterday turned out to be the park maintenance people burning a big pile of tree and shrub trimmings. This afternoon I will pack up and drive up to Big Bear to meet Dan at the trail crossing of Highway 118 near Big Bear. It is clouded over and cool here this morning. Big bear is slated to have a high of 58 today but the good news is there is a 0% chance of rain in the forecast. We will camp in the Big Bear area 2 nights and it will be good and chilly (mid to high 30's) both nights. Ugh! Yesterday I put up the new tent I purchased at our Walmart stop on the way to Whitewater Wednesday evening. I pitched it to make sure there would be no surprises in the field. The quality and size are similar to the Coleman 5' x 9' it replaces, fair at best. It is not quite as easy to pitch as the old one but it will be fine. Without telling the whole long and boring story the old tent has had quite a bit of use and had a couple of potentially serious problems and it was time to replace it. It would be nice to have a better quality tent but this one will do, at least for the foreseeable future. 5/17 Holcomb Valley Campground 8:45 PM I napped until 11:00 then got up and started preparing to leave. I finally got away at 1:40, a bit late. By the time I drove to Yucca Valley, got gas and went to Walmart it was 2:50. I was due in Big Bear at 4:00 and expected to be late. To my surprise I arrived a few minutes early even though I made no particular effort to hurry. Dan had been waiting since 2:00. We drove to the Supermarket to get a few final items then came here and set up, cooked and ate dinner and have been sitting in the car listening to the radio. I also took The Fuji bicycle off the car and installed the inexpensive bike computer I picked up at Walmart. When I bought the folding bike I took the mount and pickup from the bike I have here and put it on the new one. I have ridden the Fuji so far on this trip with no computer but I much prefer riding with one. I took a very short test ride in the campground and the computer seems very adequate. It was very chilly when we got here but it warmed up quite a bit since the sun set and the breeze died out. The camp host claims it will be in the 20's tonight but we have our doubts. It will be cold enough to give the new tent a good test. It went up reasonably well. It will get better with practice.
Miles: 00
7:00 AM
Twentynine Palms, CA
The smoke yesterday turned out to be the park maintenance people burning a big pile of tree and shrub trimmings. This afternoon I will pack up and drive up to Big Bear to meet Dan at the trail crossing of Highway 118 near Big Bear. It is clouded over and cool here this morning. Big bear is slated to have a high of 58 today but the good news is there is a 0% chance of rain in the forecast. We will camp in the Big Bear area 2 nights and it will be good and chilly (mid to high 30's) both nights. Ugh! Yesterday I put up the new tent I purchased at our Walmart stop on the way to Whitewater Wednesday evening. I pitched it to make sure there would be no surprises in the field. The quality and size are similar to the Coleman 5' x 9' it replaces, fair at best. It is not quite as easy to pitch as the old one but it will be fine. Without telling the whole long and boring story the old tent has had quite a bit of use and had a couple of potentially serious problems and it was time to replace it. It would be nice to have a better quality tent but this one will do, at least for the foreseeable future. 5/17 Holcomb Valley Campground 8:45 PM I napped until 11:00 then got up and started preparing to leave. I finally got away at 1:40, a bit late. By the time I drove to Yucca Valley, got gas and went to Walmart it was 2:50. I was due in Big Bear at 4:00 and expected to be late. To my surprise I arrived a few minutes early even though I made no particular effort to hurry. Dan had been waiting since 2:00. We drove to the Supermarket to get a few final items then came here and set up, cooked and ate dinner and have been sitting in the car listening to the radio. I also took The Fuji bicycle off the car and installed the inexpensive bike computer I picked up at Walmart. When I bought the folding bike I took the mount and pickup from the bike I have here and put it on the new one. I have ridden the Fuji so far on this trip with no computer but I much prefer riding with one. I took a very short test ride in the campground and the computer seems very adequate. It was very chilly when we got here but it warmed up quite a bit since the sun set and the breeze died out. The camp host claims it will be in the 20's tonight but we have our doubts. It will be cold enough to give the new tent a good test. It went up reasonably well. It will get better with practice.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
2013-05-16 - Day 8 Twentynine Palms, CA
5/16/2013
Miles: 00
4:30 AM
Twentynine Palms, CA
I forgot to mention in last evening's post that after I left Dan I finally got around to exploring the route between the end of the paved I-10 frontage road at Whitewater and Highway 62. This route has interested me since I started bicycling in 2011 because it offers a possibility for getting in or out of this area to or from the West by bike without having to ride on I-10 for a couple of suicidal miles, especially the westbound side, between Highway 62 and I-10. I knew it is possible because I had talked several years ago to a cross country biker here in the park who had used this route on his ride from LA to 29 Palms. From the end of the pavement on "Whitewater Cutoff" a well maintained dirt road climbs steeply SE the NW to the top of the east escarpment of Whitewater Canyon. Google maps labels the dirt road as "Painted Hills Road". At the top of the climb "Painted Hills" turns sharply east then after a jog to the north goes NE through wind farms about a mile to pavement where it crosses 16 Avenue and hence directly to Highway 62 in about another mile. My problem came when I got to the turn at the top of the climb and decided it was not a main road and continued up the ridge another mile before turning east on an unnamed road that turned into "Super Creek Road". This was not such a well maintained road. I followed it around for several miles before coming to a locked gate within a few hundred yards of paved roads in a residential area. This was frustrating as darkness was looming. I decided to cut my losses and backtracked to explore the first cutoff with the option of returning to Whitewater and taking the Freeway to Highway 62. The cutoff was "Painted Hills Road" and took me directly to Highway 62 with no problem. In retrospect I could have looked at the map on my phone before I started on this adventure and perhaps saved a bit of trouble and apprehension but it all worked out fine. There are still issues with using this route on a bike. The contiguous paved I-10 frontage road coming from the West ends at the Hagen-Lehmann over crossing a couple of miles west of the Whitewater exit. The options are to ride the I-10 shoulder a few hundred yards to the Highway 111 exit then take it east a few miles to Tipton Road which backtracks several miles up the hill to Whitewater, take the dirt frontage road on the north side of I-10 between Hagen-Lehmann and Whitewater or ride the I-10 shoulder between the two. Going east riding the I-10 shoulder between Hagen-Lehmann and Highway 62 might not be too bad. None of these options are stellar but they will all work. Using any variation of the route between Hagen-Lehmann and Highway 62 on a skinny tire bike will require at least some walking on the dirt sections. Much of Highway 62 between 29 Palms and Yucca Valley was repaved during the week we have been out an the shoulders look beautiful, wider and much smoother. Previously they were not bicycle friendly for the most part, either very narrow or non-existent in places and often with large deep teeth rattling, tire killing expansion joints. 11:45 AM
Twentynine Palms, CA
I can smell smoke inside. I trust it is from fires burning west of Daniel's route.
Miles: 00
4:30 AM
Twentynine Palms, CA
I forgot to mention in last evening's post that after I left Dan I finally got around to exploring the route between the end of the paved I-10 frontage road at Whitewater and Highway 62. This route has interested me since I started bicycling in 2011 because it offers a possibility for getting in or out of this area to or from the West by bike without having to ride on I-10 for a couple of suicidal miles, especially the westbound side, between Highway 62 and I-10. I knew it is possible because I had talked several years ago to a cross country biker here in the park who had used this route on his ride from LA to 29 Palms. From the end of the pavement on "Whitewater Cutoff" a well maintained dirt road climbs steeply SE the NW to the top of the east escarpment of Whitewater Canyon. Google maps labels the dirt road as "Painted Hills Road". At the top of the climb "Painted Hills" turns sharply east then after a jog to the north goes NE through wind farms about a mile to pavement where it crosses 16 Avenue and hence directly to Highway 62 in about another mile. My problem came when I got to the turn at the top of the climb and decided it was not a main road and continued up the ridge another mile before turning east on an unnamed road that turned into "Super Creek Road". This was not such a well maintained road. I followed it around for several miles before coming to a locked gate within a few hundred yards of paved roads in a residential area. This was frustrating as darkness was looming. I decided to cut my losses and backtracked to explore the first cutoff with the option of returning to Whitewater and taking the Freeway to Highway 62. The cutoff was "Painted Hills Road" and took me directly to Highway 62 with no problem. In retrospect I could have looked at the map on my phone before I started on this adventure and perhaps saved a bit of trouble and apprehension but it all worked out fine. There are still issues with using this route on a bike. The contiguous paved I-10 frontage road coming from the West ends at the Hagen-Lehmann over crossing a couple of miles west of the Whitewater exit. The options are to ride the I-10 shoulder a few hundred yards to the Highway 111 exit then take it east a few miles to Tipton Road which backtracks several miles up the hill to Whitewater, take the dirt frontage road on the north side of I-10 between Hagen-Lehmann and Whitewater or ride the I-10 shoulder between the two. Going east riding the I-10 shoulder between Hagen-Lehmann and Highway 62 might not be too bad. None of these options are stellar but they will all work. Using any variation of the route between Hagen-Lehmann and Highway 62 on a skinny tire bike will require at least some walking on the dirt sections. Much of Highway 62 between 29 Palms and Yucca Valley was repaved during the week we have been out an the shoulders look beautiful, wider and much smoother. Previously they were not bicycle friendly for the most part, either very narrow or non-existent in places and often with large deep teeth rattling, tire killing expansion joints. 11:45 AM
Twentynine Palms, CA
I can smell smoke inside. I trust it is from fires burning west of Daniel's route.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
2013-05-15 - Day 7 Twentynine Palms, CA
5/15/2013
Miles: 00
10:00 PM
Twentynine Palms, CA
We had a good day. We took my car for an oil change, went to the grocery store, had Chinese fast food, did the laundry, took a nap then delivered Daniel back to the trail after a quick shopping stop at Walmart in Yucca Valley. Dan decided he wanted to start in the Whitewater Canyon rather than back at Snow Creek Village. This saved about 15 miles of uninteresting and relatively warm walking. I dropped him at the end of Whitewater Canyon Road at the Whitewater Preserve which is 1-2 miles from the PCT crossing of the Whitewater River. He planned to walk in a few miles and camp for the night. The Whitewater Preserve is a very beautiful place. I walked around in the developed headquarters area but did not have the presence of mind to take pictures. There are pictures and information on the Internet. Dan will walk 47 miles from the PCT crossing of the Whitewater River to Highway 18 near Big Bear where I will meet him Friday afternoon at about 4:00 PM. Until then I will continue my rigorous regimen of goofing off and sleeping.
Miles: 00
10:00 PM
Twentynine Palms, CA
We had a good day. We took my car for an oil change, went to the grocery store, had Chinese fast food, did the laundry, took a nap then delivered Daniel back to the trail after a quick shopping stop at Walmart in Yucca Valley. Dan decided he wanted to start in the Whitewater Canyon rather than back at Snow Creek Village. This saved about 15 miles of uninteresting and relatively warm walking. I dropped him at the end of Whitewater Canyon Road at the Whitewater Preserve which is 1-2 miles from the PCT crossing of the Whitewater River. He planned to walk in a few miles and camp for the night. The Whitewater Preserve is a very beautiful place. I walked around in the developed headquarters area but did not have the presence of mind to take pictures. There are pictures and information on the Internet. Dan will walk 47 miles from the PCT crossing of the Whitewater River to Highway 18 near Big Bear where I will meet him Friday afternoon at about 4:00 PM. Until then I will continue my rigorous regimen of goofing off and sleeping.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
2013-05-14 - Day 6 Twentynine Palms, CA
5/14/2013
Miles: 00
2:30 PM
Twentynine Palms, CA
Not much to report. I took the bike off the car and emptied the ice chest then went shopping at the grocery store for a few food items then filled the car gas tank. I will take a bit of a nap then leave bout 6:00 to go meet Dan at Snow Creek Village near I-10 at Cabezon. 9:30 PM
Twentynine Palms, CA
I left here about 5:30 and made a quick stop at Walmart in Yucca Valley. I got to Snow Creek Village at 6:50. Dan was sitting by the side of the road, early as usual. We stopped in Yucca Valley for burgers on the way home. Dan is taking a shower now and will hit the rack when he is finished. Below is a photo of the north face of Mount San Jacinto taken from Snow Creek Village. This is supposedly the highest and steepest contiguous face in the lower 48 states, rising almost 10,000 feet in about 5 miles. The photograph does not do it justice, the scarp towers over one from where I took the picture. It is a view that leaves one with a good understanding of how small and insignificant we humans are, in spite of our over inflated egos and sense of importance. We are just so many small critters wandering around on this earth.
Miles: 00
2:30 PMTwentynine Palms, CA
Not much to report. I took the bike off the car and emptied the ice chest then went shopping at the grocery store for a few food items then filled the car gas tank. I will take a bit of a nap then leave bout 6:00 to go meet Dan at Snow Creek Village near I-10 at Cabezon. 9:30 PM
Twentynine Palms, CA
I left here about 5:30 and made a quick stop at Walmart in Yucca Valley. I got to Snow Creek Village at 6:50. Dan was sitting by the side of the road, early as usual. We stopped in Yucca Valley for burgers on the way home. Dan is taking a shower now and will hit the rack when he is finished. Below is a photo of the north face of Mount San Jacinto taken from Snow Creek Village. This is supposedly the highest and steepest contiguous face in the lower 48 states, rising almost 10,000 feet in about 5 miles. The photograph does not do it justice, the scarp towers over one from where I took the picture. It is a view that leaves one with a good understanding of how small and insignificant we humans are, in spite of our over inflated egos and sense of importance. We are just so many small critters wandering around on this earth.
Monday, May 13, 2013
2013-05-13 - Day 5 Twentynine Palms
5/13/2013
Miles: 00
10:30 AM
Twentynine Palms, CA
It is nice to be lounging around home although I am missing the trail life a bit. I will get plenty of it after I meet Dan in Big Bear. After his break here tomorrow night and possibly Wednesday, I will deliver him back to the trail at I-10 near Cabezon and come back here. It will take him 3 days to get to Big Bear (unless he decides to speed it up an start doing 30 mile days). If it goes per plan we will be out beyond Big Bear about 3 weeks with no possibility of coming here for more breaks. I will be living in my tent in campgrounds of various quality most of the time, probably most without shower facilities. We may take a night in a motel at Mojave or Tehachappi. I better enjoy the luxuries of trailer living while I can. A word about skipping hunks of trail. Neither of us feel too badly about some skipping because this is the 6th time Dan has hiked the far south portion of the trail: 2005 Border to Walker Pass, Highway 178, near Onyx, CA
2007 Border to Echo Summit, Lake Tahoe, CA
2009 Border to Canadian Border
2010 Border to Highway 74, Anza, CA (knee issue), Ashland, OR to Sierra City, CA
2011 Border to Big Bear, CA
2012 Border to ???
He may skip another section in or around the San Gabriel Mountains. His interest is to use as much of the available month hiking through the Sierras. His plan is to go from Kennedy Meadows South (KM, west of Ridgecrest) to Onion Valley (Independence, 90 miles from KM) or Mammoth Lakes (200 miles from KM), depending on time and snow conditions. Hikers usually do not enter the Sierra until mid-June but this is a light snow year and he feels that it may be possible to make it to Mammoth Lakes earlier. I cannot help him much in that area. I can meet him at Horseshoe Meadow about 60 miles from KM and Onion Valley. Horseshoe Meadow is the bail out point if the snow is too bad. Beyond Onion Valley he is on his own for 110 miles and 7 high passes including Kearsarge Pass between the trailhead at Onion Valley and the PCT, all 11K feet or higher. As an aside, for those who may be interested the PCT is visible on Google Maps. The trick is to find the zoom level where it is labeled. It labeled at the 4 highest magnification levels (at least for me). It is easy to see near the border at Campo (paralleling Forrest Gate Road on the west side). The spot where I left Dan last evening is on Highway 74 1 mile east of the Highway 371/74 junction near Anza, CA. It is already 95 degrees here this morning so Dan will have a warm hike today even though he will be in the 5-8K elevation range. It is to drop a few degrees tomorrow but the 10 day forecast does not offer him much relief. I hope he is managing his water supply judiciously.
Miles: 00
10:30 AMTwentynine Palms, CA
It is nice to be lounging around home although I am missing the trail life a bit. I will get plenty of it after I meet Dan in Big Bear. After his break here tomorrow night and possibly Wednesday, I will deliver him back to the trail at I-10 near Cabezon and come back here. It will take him 3 days to get to Big Bear (unless he decides to speed it up an start doing 30 mile days). If it goes per plan we will be out beyond Big Bear about 3 weeks with no possibility of coming here for more breaks. I will be living in my tent in campgrounds of various quality most of the time, probably most without shower facilities. We may take a night in a motel at Mojave or Tehachappi. I better enjoy the luxuries of trailer living while I can. A word about skipping hunks of trail. Neither of us feel too badly about some skipping because this is the 6th time Dan has hiked the far south portion of the trail: 2005 Border to Walker Pass, Highway 178, near Onyx, CA
2007 Border to Echo Summit, Lake Tahoe, CA
2009 Border to Canadian Border
2010 Border to Highway 74, Anza, CA (knee issue), Ashland, OR to Sierra City, CA
2011 Border to Big Bear, CA
2012 Border to ???
He may skip another section in or around the San Gabriel Mountains. His interest is to use as much of the available month hiking through the Sierras. His plan is to go from Kennedy Meadows South (KM, west of Ridgecrest) to Onion Valley (Independence, 90 miles from KM) or Mammoth Lakes (200 miles from KM), depending on time and snow conditions. Hikers usually do not enter the Sierra until mid-June but this is a light snow year and he feels that it may be possible to make it to Mammoth Lakes earlier. I cannot help him much in that area. I can meet him at Horseshoe Meadow about 60 miles from KM and Onion Valley. Horseshoe Meadow is the bail out point if the snow is too bad. Beyond Onion Valley he is on his own for 110 miles and 7 high passes including Kearsarge Pass between the trailhead at Onion Valley and the PCT, all 11K feet or higher. As an aside, for those who may be interested the PCT is visible on Google Maps. The trick is to find the zoom level where it is labeled. It labeled at the 4 highest magnification levels (at least for me). It is easy to see near the border at Campo (paralleling Forrest Gate Road on the west side). The spot where I left Dan last evening is on Highway 74 1 mile east of the Highway 371/74 junction near Anza, CA. It is already 95 degrees here this morning so Dan will have a warm hike today even though he will be in the 5-8K elevation range. It is to drop a few degrees tomorrow but the 10 day forecast does not offer him much relief. I hope he is managing his water supply judiciously.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
2013-05-12 - Day 4 Sunrise Trailhead to Scissors Crossing
5/12/2013
Miles: 17
Sunrise Trailhead
We got up at 7:45, packed up and came here. Dan left about 9:00. It is a most beautiful morning here at about 5K feet, clear and sunny with a cooling breeze. I will go from here to Julian in hopes of finding a decent market. We are out of eggs. The plan is to get some bacon and frozen potatoes for a bit of variety. We also need liquids, water and coke, and snacks. 1:45 PM
Jess Martin Park, Julian, CA I have been sitting here in the shade on a beautiful day working on this blog for several hours. It is frustrating at the least but I am getting a handle on it. It seems like I have to. Learn how to manipulate the thing all over again each time I start a new blog.
29 Palms, CA CHANGE OF PLAN! I arrived at Scissors Crossing right on schedule at 3:00. Dan was already there and had been for at least 1/2 hour. As soon as he got in the car he announced that he wanted to skip north to Highway 74. It sounded good to me as it would allow me to come home for a break a few days early. I think his reasons had to do with the rising temperature (he had dropped from out camp at 6K feet to 2200 feet in 6-7 hours and it was quite warm at Scissors) and the fact that the next 74 miles beyond Scissors are not the most appealing of the trail in terms of the route, the view and the climate. We discussed it briefly and agreed that it was a reasonable plan so we started for Highway 74. We arrived about 4:30. Dan rested a few minutes then packed up and started walking and I started home. I got here about 7:15. Dan has provisions for this evening and the next two days. I am to meet him at Snow Creek, near I-10, Tuesday at 7-8:00 PM. This means that he plans to cover about 57 trail miles plus a several mile detour to the 11,834 foot summit of Mount San Jacinto, which he has never visited, in 2 hiking days plus a few hours. It is an ambitious plan but I am sure he will do it.
Miles: 17
At Jess Martin Park
9:10 AMSunrise Trailhead
We got up at 7:45, packed up and came here. Dan left about 9:00. It is a most beautiful morning here at about 5K feet, clear and sunny with a cooling breeze. I will go from here to Julian in hopes of finding a decent market. We are out of eggs. The plan is to get some bacon and frozen potatoes for a bit of variety. We also need liquids, water and coke, and snacks. 1:45 PM
Jess Martin Park, Julian, CA I have been sitting here in the shade on a beautiful day working on this blog for several hours. It is frustrating at the least but I am getting a handle on it. It seems like I have to. Learn how to manipulate the thing all over again each time I start a new blog.
The Office
Before I came to the park I paid some astronomical prices for a few items at the local store. They did not Have the right potatoes or decent bacon so those are off the menu until we get to a bigger store. Such is shopping in mountain tourist towns. I will leave for Scissors Crossing as soon as I finish this partial day entry.
8:30 PM29 Palms, CA CHANGE OF PLAN! I arrived at Scissors Crossing right on schedule at 3:00. Dan was already there and had been for at least 1/2 hour. As soon as he got in the car he announced that he wanted to skip north to Highway 74. It sounded good to me as it would allow me to come home for a break a few days early. I think his reasons had to do with the rising temperature (he had dropped from out camp at 6K feet to 2200 feet in 6-7 hours and it was quite warm at Scissors) and the fact that the next 74 miles beyond Scissors are not the most appealing of the trail in terms of the route, the view and the climate. We discussed it briefly and agreed that it was a reasonable plan so we started for Highway 74. We arrived about 4:30. Dan rested a few minutes then packed up and started walking and I started home. I got here about 7:15. Dan has provisions for this evening and the next two days. I am to meet him at Snow Creek, near I-10, Tuesday at 7-8:00 PM. This means that he plans to cover about 57 trail miles plus a several mile detour to the 11,834 foot summit of Mount San Jacinto, which he has never visited, in 2 hiking days plus a few hours. It is an ambitious plan but I am sure he will do it.
Packing up at Highway 74
The Water Cache at Highway 74
One issue he will have to deal with is water. He left the car with 4 quarts of water and Gatorade. There is a spring a very steep 1 mile off the trail 10 miles in and the first possible on trail water is at mile 27. He will have to decide tomorrow sometime whether to drop down to the spring or to stretch the water he has. One has to hope that the option he chooses does not leave him too dehydrated. As for me, I am happy to be home for a couple of days.
2013-05-11 - Day 3 Mount Laguna to Sunrise Trailhead
5/11/2013
Miles: 13
9:30 AM
Mount Laguna Campground
We had a good dinner of spam and eggs last night. I added two flour tortillas to mine and they were delicious. After Dan listened to hockey while I read. He turned. In about 9:00 and I made it to 10:00. I was a bit cool during the night but not enough to get into my se and bag. We will be lower most of the time going forward so it is not an issue. Woke up about 7:50. Dan was already up. He decided to skip the 5 miles between here and the picnic area so he walked out of here at 9:00. I have my bike gear on and will meet him 5 miles down at Pioneer Mail Picnic at 10:30. I am taking a Gatorade and his bag of Fritos in case he wants a snack.
3:00 PM
We are back at the camp site. My 20 mile ride turned out go be more like 13-14. That is the difference between the trail and the road. I have said many times that our ancestors would have thought us insane for following the PCT route. It goes many places no one of sound mind would go unless, like modern Americans, it is done for recreation only.
I rode from Pioneer Mail, where I met Dan, to Desert View and to the store beyond where I got an ice cream bar. I got back to camp at 12:30, put the bike away, changed clothes and drove to Sunrise Trailhead. Dan came in about 1:00. He did only 12 miles today which leaves 17 to the next road crossing, Scissors Crossing, at trail mile 77. Monday he will do 23 to Barrel Springs at mile 90.
We drove back to the store to see if they had watermelon which they did not. We returned here. I had a sandwich then we drove over to the far end of the campground and showered. We are back with the afternoon off.
We saw a beautifully restored 1978 GMC Motorhome at the camp host site next to the showers. The owner told me they had paid $6,000 for it and had put $120,000 into it. It will pass as a new. GMC has made none since 1987.
8:45
We just got back from a walk to the observation platform a bit North and across the road from the campground entrance. Not much to report. The moon is a sliver sitting on the mountain to the west with Jupiter(?) Chasing into the ground.
We had a dinner of, you guessed it, Spam and eggs. All and all a pleasant afternoon and evening.
Miles: 13
9:30 AMMount Laguna Campground
We had a good dinner of spam and eggs last night. I added two flour tortillas to mine and they were delicious. After Dan listened to hockey while I read. He turned. In about 9:00 and I made it to 10:00. I was a bit cool during the night but not enough to get into my se and bag. We will be lower most of the time going forward so it is not an issue. Woke up about 7:50. Dan was already up. He decided to skip the 5 miles between here and the picnic area so he walked out of here at 9:00. I have my bike gear on and will meet him 5 miles down at Pioneer Mail Picnic at 10:30. I am taking a Gatorade and his bag of Fritos in case he wants a snack.
3:00 PM
We are back at the camp site. My 20 mile ride turned out go be more like 13-14. That is the difference between the trail and the road. I have said many times that our ancestors would have thought us insane for following the PCT route. It goes many places no one of sound mind would go unless, like modern Americans, it is done for recreation only.
I rode from Pioneer Mail, where I met Dan, to Desert View and to the store beyond where I got an ice cream bar. I got back to camp at 12:30, put the bike away, changed clothes and drove to Sunrise Trailhead. Dan came in about 1:00. He did only 12 miles today which leaves 17 to the next road crossing, Scissors Crossing, at trail mile 77. Monday he will do 23 to Barrel Springs at mile 90.
We drove back to the store to see if they had watermelon which they did not. We returned here. I had a sandwich then we drove over to the far end of the campground and showered. We are back with the afternoon off.
We saw a beautifully restored 1978 GMC Motorhome at the camp host site next to the showers. The owner told me they had paid $6,000 for it and had put $120,000 into it. It will pass as a new. GMC has made none since 1987.
8:45
We just got back from a walk to the observation platform a bit North and across the road from the campground entrance. Not much to report. The moon is a sliver sitting on the mountain to the west with Jupiter(?) Chasing into the ground.
We had a dinner of, you guessed it, Spam and eggs. All and all a pleasant afternoon and evening.
2013-05-10 - Day 2 Lake Moreno to Mt. Laguna
5/10/2013
Miles: 22
9:00 AM
Lake Moreno County Park
Yesterday afternoon I watched what I realized this morning was a wild turkey being chased up the park road by a chihuahua. After about 30 yards the turkey turned and chased the dog back to its mommy and daddy. The whole affair looked more like play than aggression. Amusing. I slept well again and got up at 7:00. Dan slept until 8:00 and left a bit before 9:00. If I do not connect with him at one of the two closer road crossings I will meet him about 4:00-5:00 at the Desert View Picnic Area at Mount Laguna. 1:10 PM Mount Laguna Campground I packed up and visited with the neighbor a few minutes then drove to Boulder Oaks where I found cell signal. I paid some bills before Dan came at 10:30. He rested and snacked then left about 11:00. I drove to this campground and picked a spot. It is a bit far from the showers but is the nicest I could find that is not reserved. The weather is very pleasing here, puffy clouds, a very light breeze and warm temperatures. I may take a brief nap before driving back to the picnic area to wait for Dan. 4:25 PM Desert View Picnic Area I napped at the campground until about 2:30 then secured the fly on my tent more by fastening the Velcro tabs to the poles. There were enough wind gusts coming through to make it seem prudent. I drove here an washed my face and scrubbed up my teeth then drove 1/2 mile to the store and got ice. Back here I had to unpack quite a bit of the rear of the car to get the ice chest out to drain it before adding the new ice and putting it all back. It is not a chore for the impatient. In my previous vehicle, an SUV, I could open the rear door, slide the chest back enough to expose the drain then slide it back in place with a minimum of fuss. Using a much smaller car is a challenge but it is working although many adaptations have been and are being made. The used Yakima "Basketcase" mesh tray I purchase to mount on my roof rack along with the bicycle rail makes it livable (see pictures). I carry my tent, cot and a folding chair on top. If they had to go inside living out of this car during the day would be inconvenient to the point of being not worth doing. As it is it requires some patience to do the daily chores, finding clothing and food, getting items out without the delicately balance pile collapsing, etc. We are both getting used to it.
Miles: 22
9:00 AMLake Moreno County Park
Yesterday afternoon I watched what I realized this morning was a wild turkey being chased up the park road by a chihuahua. After about 30 yards the turkey turned and chased the dog back to its mommy and daddy. The whole affair looked more like play than aggression. Amusing. I slept well again and got up at 7:00. Dan slept until 8:00 and left a bit before 9:00. If I do not connect with him at one of the two closer road crossings I will meet him about 4:00-5:00 at the Desert View Picnic Area at Mount Laguna. 1:10 PM Mount Laguna Campground I packed up and visited with the neighbor a few minutes then drove to Boulder Oaks where I found cell signal. I paid some bills before Dan came at 10:30. He rested and snacked then left about 11:00. I drove to this campground and picked a spot. It is a bit far from the showers but is the nicest I could find that is not reserved. The weather is very pleasing here, puffy clouds, a very light breeze and warm temperatures. I may take a brief nap before driving back to the picnic area to wait for Dan. 4:25 PM Desert View Picnic Area I napped at the campground until about 2:30 then secured the fly on my tent more by fastening the Velcro tabs to the poles. There were enough wind gusts coming through to make it seem prudent. I drove here an washed my face and scrubbed up my teeth then drove 1/2 mile to the store and got ice. Back here I had to unpack quite a bit of the rear of the car to get the ice chest out to drain it before adding the new ice and putting it all back. It is not a chore for the impatient. In my previous vehicle, an SUV, I could open the rear door, slide the chest back enough to expose the drain then slide it back in place with a minimum of fuss. Using a much smaller car is a challenge but it is working although many adaptations have been and are being made. The used Yakima "Basketcase" mesh tray I purchase to mount on my roof rack along with the bicycle rail makes it livable (see pictures). I carry my tent, cot and a folding chair on top. If they had to go inside living out of this car during the day would be inconvenient to the point of being not worth doing. As it is it requires some patience to do the daily chores, finding clothing and food, getting items out without the delicately balance pile collapsing, etc. We are both getting used to it.
2013-05-09 - Day 1 Mexican Border to Lake Moreno County Park
5/9/2013
8:58 AM
Lake Moreno County Park
Miles: 21
I slept well and woke up at 5:30 to the sounds of campers and/or animals. Got up about 5:50 and started packing up. Dan said he was cold and stayed in his tent until about 6:30. I made a cup of cocoa, too cold for Coke.
We got on the road about 7:00. At the border were at least 3 vehicles and numerous people so Dan opted to start down the hill about 200 yards. About 10 hikers passed while he was getting ready. After he stared, around 8:00, I drove to the library which opens at 9:00. I do have cell phone signal there. I decided to come on to Lake Moreno and set up camp. I had hopes of cell signal here which were dashed.
I secured a nice space ($22.00), laid my tent out to dry, set up my chair, fired up the tablet, got out a Coke and stared to write this entry. The host soon came by and we chatted for about one half hour. After he went on his way I put up the tent, got another Coke and here I am, sitting in the sun with a mild breeze enjoying the morning. Soon I will fix some food and perhaps take a bike ride.
More later.
1:47 PM
I am glad I brought my mountain bike and that I left the fat snobby tires on it. After poking around the immediate area I started down the hill towards Campo. About 1/2 way down I passed an unsigned dirt road which looked like it could go around the hill and up the canyon to Hauser Creek which the trail crosses about 5 miles before the lake. I went about 1/2 mile farther then decided it made more sense to explore the dirt road with the possibility of intercepting Dan rather than dropping farther down only to have to climb back up to no purpose.
I turned back and ground my way back to the dirt road and started on it. The first 1/2 mile was more or less flat then I came to a big drop. I stopped for a rest and drink then decided to try it. After coasting down the steep hill about another 1/2 mile I came to a gate posted no trespassing. This left no option (that I was willing to pursue) so I turned and ground my way back up the to the pavement then up to the summit and back to the camp site. I was out a bit over 2 hours and did not cover much group but I got a pretty good workout on the climbs. All in all I am pleased with the project.
I have prepared and eaten some Ramen followed by a few cookies and am thinking nap. It is a most beautiful sunny day with a light breeze and some puffy white clouds here! Some afternoon sprinkles seem possible.
6:41 PM
I pooped out around 2:00. Tried to nap in the car but the sun was too intense. Finally gave up and got in tent. It was warm but the breeze made it tolerable. I slept until 5:00. I woke up long enough to unlock the car when Dan came in at 3:00.
At 6:000 we had dinner, a can of Spam and six eggs. I gave most of it to Dan. I am not working hard enough to eat too much of that mix but it works well for Dan. It will be a staple as he bought a pallet of Spam at Costco (16 cans).
We are lounging in the car. Dan is listening to the hockey playoffs on XM Radio. I am waiting for my evening cocoa to cool. Life is good.
8:58 AM
Lake Moreno County Park
Miles: 21
I slept well and woke up at 5:30 to the sounds of campers and/or animals. Got up about 5:50 and started packing up. Dan said he was cold and stayed in his tent until about 6:30. I made a cup of cocoa, too cold for Coke.
We got on the road about 7:00. At the border were at least 3 vehicles and numerous people so Dan opted to start down the hill about 200 yards. About 10 hikers passed while he was getting ready. After he stared, around 8:00, I drove to the library which opens at 9:00. I do have cell phone signal there. I decided to come on to Lake Moreno and set up camp. I had hopes of cell signal here which were dashed.
I secured a nice space ($22.00), laid my tent out to dry, set up my chair, fired up the tablet, got out a Coke and stared to write this entry. The host soon came by and we chatted for about one half hour. After he went on his way I put up the tent, got another Coke and here I am, sitting in the sun with a mild breeze enjoying the morning. Soon I will fix some food and perhaps take a bike ride.
More later.
1:47 PM
I am glad I brought my mountain bike and that I left the fat snobby tires on it. After poking around the immediate area I started down the hill towards Campo. About 1/2 way down I passed an unsigned dirt road which looked like it could go around the hill and up the canyon to Hauser Creek which the trail crosses about 5 miles before the lake. I went about 1/2 mile farther then decided it made more sense to explore the dirt road with the possibility of intercepting Dan rather than dropping farther down only to have to climb back up to no purpose.
I turned back and ground my way back to the dirt road and started on it. The first 1/2 mile was more or less flat then I came to a big drop. I stopped for a rest and drink then decided to try it. After coasting down the steep hill about another 1/2 mile I came to a gate posted no trespassing. This left no option (that I was willing to pursue) so I turned and ground my way back up the to the pavement then up to the summit and back to the camp site. I was out a bit over 2 hours and did not cover much group but I got a pretty good workout on the climbs. All in all I am pleased with the project.
I have prepared and eaten some Ramen followed by a few cookies and am thinking nap. It is a most beautiful sunny day with a light breeze and some puffy white clouds here! Some afternoon sprinkles seem possible.
6:41 PM
I pooped out around 2:00. Tried to nap in the car but the sun was too intense. Finally gave up and got in tent. It was warm but the breeze made it tolerable. I slept until 5:00. I woke up long enough to unlock the car when Dan came in at 3:00.
At 6:000 we had dinner, a can of Spam and six eggs. I gave most of it to Dan. I am not working hard enough to eat too much of that mix but it works well for Dan. It will be a staple as he bought a pallet of Spam at Costco (16 cans).
We are lounging in the car. Dan is listening to the hockey playoffs on XM Radio. I am waiting for my evening cocoa to cool. Life is good.
2013-05-08 To the Border
5/8/2013
10:22 PM
Cibets Flat North of Campo, CA
Dan drove from NoCal to my place Monday. Yesterday afternoon the last piece of the puzzle, the used Yakima "Basketcase" I ordered from Amazon came. We mounted it on the rack which was already on the car with the bike rail attached and loaded the stuff we intended to carry on it. We also put much of our stuff in the car. This morning we loaded the rest of the car, shut down the trailer and got away about 11:00.
Our first stop was Francisco's in Yucca Valley followed by Costco and Walmart in Palomar Desert. After our shopping extravaganza we started south. We stopped for Mexican lunch in Borrego Springs and arrived at Cibets Flat Campground which is about 30 trail miles north of the border at 7:30 PM. The elevations is about 4k feet and it was plenty chilly. We turned and had a good nights sleep.
10:22 PM
Cibets Flat North of Campo, CA
Dan drove from NoCal to my place Monday. Yesterday afternoon the last piece of the puzzle, the used Yakima "Basketcase" I ordered from Amazon came. We mounted it on the rack which was already on the car with the bike rail attached and loaded the stuff we intended to carry on it. We also put much of our stuff in the car. This morning we loaded the rest of the car, shut down the trailer and got away about 11:00.
Our first stop was Francisco's in Yucca Valley followed by Costco and Walmart in Palomar Desert. After our shopping extravaganza we started south. We stopped for Mexican lunch in Borrego Springs and arrived at Cibets Flat Campground which is about 30 trail miles north of the border at 7:30 PM. The elevations is about 4k feet and it was plenty chilly. We turned and had a good nights sleep.
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