PCT Day 13
Lorraine picked us up at 8am and drove us back to Paradise Valley Cafe. She was very friendly and took pride in shuttling hikers around Idyllwild.
We hiked a nice 8 miles and gained 1500 feet to start the day. Equipped with a knee brace, kt tape, and new shoes we felt like LT Dan, we had new legs
A big group from town caught us as we rested near a stream. We hiked another few miles to camp at a water source one mile off trail. Large Jeffrey Pines flanked this campsite and everyone couldn’t help but get a little exciting with anticipation for the Sierras. We set up camp early tonight and spent time telling stories and solving problems.
Tomorrow is a big day traversing Apache peak, the rock slide, and a big water carry.
PCT Day 14
We climbed out of our campsite and started the ascent up San Jacinto. On the way up we enjoyed our first full sunrise on the trail. Definitely a perk of getting up early.
We gained a lot of elevation and unfortunately lost some. But we gained it again!! These trails were steep and our legs burned.
Even back at Campo we started hearing rumblings about the rock slide. Some say it’s impossible to pass others say it’s like walking on a sidewalk. In reality, like most things on the trail, it was risky if you’re not careful.
We survived it and found a beautiful ridge campsite to watch the sunset.
PCT Day 15
We picked up where we left off yesterday, gaining elevation. This time it was only a few thousand feet before we gained access to the best water source yet, a flowing stream of snow melt off San Jacinto.
We rested there for a few hours and many of our trail friends joined. A few summited the mountain and took a some wrong turns on the way down. They ended up glissading right down to the water.
From there the trail is dry for 20 miles and descends 9k feet. Our backs cringed at the heavy water carry and our knees weren’t happy either. We took a short detour for some trail magic and quickly regretted the 1 mile round trip off trail. It’s remarkable how LaCroix and beef jerky can persuade a hungry hiker.
We made camp after dark and saw a few deer running up the trail. It was too dark to make out many features but I’m guessing they were Cous deer.
Tomorrow we descend to water and In and Out.
