Horse Camp to Campsite on Side of Aqueduct
Last night was not the best nights sleep. The tent was tilty to the right so I could only sleep on my right side which doesn't work so well because my right hip and ear started hurting. I would try to roll in the left, but it could only last about 10 minutes. Somehow I managed to sleep until 5:50 then gave in. I really did need to get an early start since it is supposed to be a hot day today.
When I got out of the tent, MAGA was gone and Share bear, Max, Kate, and Kennen were about ready to leave. I broke camp and ate lunch and a few new people showed up to the campsite so I talked to them for a bit. I was finally ready to hike at 7:15 AM.
When I got out of the tent, MAGA was gone and Share bear, Max, Kate, and Kennen were about ready to leave. I broke camp and ate lunch and a few new people showed up to the campsite so I talked to them for a bit. I was finally ready to hike at 7:15 AM.
Let's get going.
Today I have 9.44 miles to Hikertown where Tim is supposed to meet me for resupply and lunch.
The hike started out similar to yesterday with the nice green scenery with the trail meandering.
The hike started out similar to yesterday with the nice green scenery with the trail meandering.
Beautiful green view
PCT sign of the day - road crossing.
Heading to that valley below.
As the trail went down the trees got smaller and turned into bushes and the landscape became more desert-like.
Turning more deserty.
As I was marching along I noticed this snake across the trail. I did a hard stop and breathed heavily.
What snake is this?
As you can see, it looks like a rattlesnake, but I couldn't see the head or the tail which is the telltale sign. I just hung back and waited to see. It slithered across the trail and I thought the tail looked smooth, but I wasn't sure. It then hid on the side camouflaged and I finally saw the head was small and not a viper, so I took a deep breathe and passed by quickly. This was about 9:00 AM. 2.5 hours later I made it to Highway 138 where I am supposed to meet Tim...and there he was.
Hello Tim!
We went up to check out Hikertown, and decided to go for lunch. We drove to the convenience store restaurant where most hikers go, but it didn't look too good, so we decided to drive into Lancaster for lunch. It was a 30 minute drive each way, but I'm in no hurry to get back on the trail. Check out the temperature gauge on the 4Runner.
97 degrees!!!
We got back to Hikertown around 4:30 PM and waited till it was cool enough to hike out. The reason I need to get more miles in today is that we are about to walk across the desert that is very hot during the day and the next water source is over 17 miles away. So most hikers leave Hikertown around 6ish and hike at least 7 miles with some hiking in the dark, and finish the remaining miles to the water in the morning before the temperature gets too hot. Also, at the water source is a bridge that we can then hang out under until the weather cools down again and go on our way.
Waiting at Hikertown for the weather to cool down with Kate and Max
Tim at Hikertown.
We made a plan to leave at 6:00 PM, but actual got back on trail 6:45 PM which really isn't too bad considering there was 8 of us leaving together.
Ready to leave (minus Kennan). Kate, Max, Share Bear, Heidi, Mighty Mouse, & MAGA.
We were walking to the aqueduct which we know we are about to follow for many miles when we arrived at this sign. Is it the end of the PCT? Is this Canada? Well...we thought it was pretty funny.
The end of the PCT?
Just 20 minutes after starting to hike we made it to the uncovered California aqueduct. Unfortunately we only walk along this pretty nice looking water for 1 mile.
Self-portrait of the day "Cali Aqueduct"
Then we arrived at the LA Aqueduct which is a pipe that the PCT goes right along.
Hiking along the LA aqueduct.
Taking a break on the LA Aqueduct with Heidi
This pipe seems to go on forever.
LA Aqueduct heading into the mountains.
Then the sun went down and I was experiencing the PCT for the first time in the dark.
Hikers silhouettes at dusk.
Amazing shot!
Finally, just after 10:00 PM we found a place to pitch our tents. We made it to our goal of having less than 10 miles to go for water and the bridge.
The plan is to wake at 5:00 AM and hike the 9.5 miles before it gets too hot. So, I better get some sleep.
The plan is to wake at 5:00 AM and hike the 9.5 miles before it gets too hot. So, I better get some sleep.
Pitched my tent in the dark.
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