PCT Map Miles 119.6
Miles Hiked 66.9
Elevation 4,455 feet
Miles Hiked Today 10.6
I was camped last night near a stream and everything got wet from condensation. It was a nice campsite at least. My damaged trekking pole did good holding up the tent, so that was a relief.
I was off by 7 AM and headed for the Warner Springs community center to use the facilities. Afterwards, it was back to the trail. In the morning, there were no mountains to climb. It was just a gentle upward track through meadows and small forested sections. There was a stream, which I had to cross several times as the trail changed sides. And there we have some drama.
I’m not very good at rock hopping across streams. Sometimes it seems easier just walking through the water. I should have done that during one of the stream crossings. I stepped on a loose and slippery rock. Down I went. The worst part was my trekking pole was in the water, and it started floating away in the fast current. Could things get any worse?
I got out of the water, dropped my pack and chased after the pole. It quickly went out of sight. Just then, two English young women came by and they helped look for the pole. They even shed their outer garments and went into the water. Talk about going above and beyond.
Alas, they didn’t find the pole either. One of them insisted I take her trekking pole. I declined repeatedly, but they wore me down. The problem is I need two poles to put up my tent and they knew it. I accepted the pole. As I made my way to my gear, I looked one last time and saw my pole. It was in the middle of the stream caught on a boulder. One of the woman still had not dressed, so she went in after it. What a relief!
There were more stream crossings, which I accomplished by walking through the water. I also put the pole straps around my wrists. No more drama with lost poles in the water.
The rest of the day, the trail went up about 1,500 feet. My original plan was to hike 18 miles to Mikes Place, but that changed. My right leg and knee are really bothering me so I stopped about 3:30. Hopefully the extra camp time will help the leg.
