Both Ryan and I just felt like laying in bed a little more this morning. Both of our bodies are feeling the wear from our days the snow, the desert for, cobbles, the route finding and Creek Crossings.
We had a great campsite along the river, went to sleep and woke up to the sound of the water. It was well protected and comfortable..
This morning we continue walking up the canyon higher into the mountains
The San Gorgonio Wilderness.
I spent much of my high school youth time in these mountains. I staffed camp Tahqitz and in retrospect realize how much of who I am came from those times. Two mentors, Paul Bailey, and Jay Freshour poured more into my life and I think they will ever realize. I gained some lifelong friends and acquaintances, and developed much of my character during those years.
I learned teamwork, leadership, teaching, learning, and organizational families.
Looking back the hiking backpacking and mountaineering activities I participated in have all been utilized over the course of this hike.
As I walked down the trail this morning, I am flooded with memories and thankfulness for the people and experiences in my formative years.
We climbed up the trail out of the river valley and up to a ridge line.
Just came into this beautiful Grove of Oaks coming down the hill side and into the next Valley
Back to the same Mission Creek up here on this splinter of the valley so amazing how far this water flows
As we continue up, we began transitioning in to more oaks, Pine, and snow!
Up on this mountain side the 360 degree view is spectacular
Bumped into Dankman from Germany his trail name is now Flipper one. We were on the PCT shuttle together at the beginning of this adventure. He flipped to Walker pass and is walking southbound.
And just like that, we’re back in the snow again.
Today we had about 2 miles of total snow covered trail. It was worse here than it was on San Jacinto just a few days lago as there’s been a little more melt very slushy again. We walked on a single boot track. Very slow going.
I’ve mentioned post holeing a number of times here’s a picture of me knee deep.
We arrived at coon cabin, camping area coon cabin is similar to the Peter Grubb hut by Donner Pass. It’s an old cabin. It’s open for people to use typically buy reservation however, this early in the season it’s pretty much used by PCT hikers.
Today’s miles 12.7 Total trail miles 447.1
(PCT mile mark 246.5 due to Flip completion of 200.7)
