Day 19

 Day 19


294.7 - 318


June 2


After another social camp with 7 other PCT hikers we got away first to get the advantage of the cool morning and be early into the hot springs. 


We made great time and were 11 miles in at 10am and enjoying the cool creek and natural thermal pools at the side. 


The hot cold contrast was the perfect antidote for hiking fatigue.  


The hot springs seemed to be maintained by a naked Santa character who fills sand bags to form the hot pools and offers advice about how to enjoy your time at the springs. 




A couple had set up a slack line across the creek. Some people tried it out, it proved to be really hard except for the slack line expert who had set it up. 


We hung around ate second breakfast and lunch before setting out for the afternoon hike after an amazing 6 hour swim/hot springs/ siesta. 


The body felt amazing after all that rest and despite the heat made good time along the remaining part of this beautiful valley. 


Our final encounter with the creek was a hilarious failed attempt at a dry crossing where we all managed to get wet feet and off trail. 


After 10 miles in the afternoon we arrived and a perfect flat sandy camp site with good access to water. 


Beautiful sunset to end a beautiful day. 



Comments

  1. jesondruceyJune 15, 2022 at 1:24 AM

    Wow Mike, its absolutely inspiring what you are doing, totally magical. Hope you are feeling absolutely brilliant.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Day 39

Image
  Day 39 This was the day that we finally made it and into Kennedy Meadows. We had 21 miles to go and planned for an early starts so we could get into the general store by lunchtime. We have been cowboy camping, just sleeping out under the stars. Morning I woke at 3:30 to have a P and they were no stars and lightning flashes in the distance. At about 4 o’clock it started raining and we all basically jumped up started packing and headed out for an early 415 start. The Lightning put on a great show for us but I was worried about it starting some fires which in fact it did but luckily behind where we were hiking. As the morning progressed for lightning and thunder, the rain increased and by the time we got to our designated second breakfast spot we were completely drenched.    I managed to cook the last of my Ramen for breakfast as my energy was super low and I need some food to finish the last 8 1/2 miles. Be there in just pushed on through the rain and arrived at the gener...
Read more

Day 3

Image
  Day 3 After a solid nights sleep I hiked the 3 km down to Mt Lagun township where I met up with Hitoshi, now known as Rockhopper and Flintstone who also started on the 15th. As I didn’t have quarters I showered under the Brocken dripping hot shower. Better to be clean and smelly than dirty and smelly.  After a quick resupply at the general store I aimed to have a    break in town. As the restaurant and visitors Centre were closed I decided to hike on.  Beautiful easy trail and stunning views lead to a shady spot with water supply fo a lunch stop.  Another steady 12km with amazing views lead to a camp site I’m calling the labyrinth.  Rock hopper is now happily snoring adjacent to me in the Labyrinth. 
Read more

Day 40

Image
  Day 40 Day 40 was a Zero miles day to relax, resupply and prepare for entering the Sierras.  Grumpy’s restaurant has aN epic Pancakes challenge which Rockhopper achieved with room to spare. Resupply was at Triple Crown Outfitters a specialist hiker shop in a shipping container. This is where we picked up are Bear proof canister which are compulsory for the next 300 miles.  We had a great dinner with friends and Calls home. To finish the night Ken and Gil the trail angels we met a week ago arrived and we had a big catch up. 
Read more