6th Post PCT hike, Acorn Creek to Satan’s Cesspool

 

February 27, 2024

Today’s hike is special. Just shy of two years ago on April 7, 2022 I took this same hike. I was invited last minute by my friends, Gerry and Regina, to this Hiking Group they were involved with (BAS). Little did I know it would change my life. I had met Gerry and Regina on a recent Honduras mission trip. 

That morning I arrived at the trailhead and met Steve. Ironically I had met him seven or so years earlier, also on a mission trip. Steve recognized me, and we quickly struck up some great conversation. I jumped into the group “All In”. It was on a future hike where I learned of the Pacific Crest Trail and what through hikers were. I told myself “that sounds cool“; the following March I embarked on my 2653 mile 193 day journey on the PCT!

Today’s hike has seven of us participating. 

It’s comfortable temperatures and clear skies. The warmer weather is bringing out a new growth of wildflowers like this yellow Western Buttercup and this purple Henbit Deadnettle 

This area had some gold mining activity in it during the gold rush. This hand Dug sluceway is rock lined creating a water channel. It was constructed close to this small stream, which we crossed.

We passed by a few trees, with this very thick moss, that from a distance appears as if it is Pineneedles but on closer examination is soft and named Dendroalsia moss

This fungi known as Gilled Polypore is a neat looking species. We also came across this Black white rimmed fungi named Turkey Tail and the more golden colored Hairy  Curtain Crust

This purple flower is the Pacific Hounds Tongue. We saw a smaller example of it a couple weeks ago on Stevens Trail.

The Manzanita is starting to bloom with its pretty purple flowers and contrasting red bark.

Today the trail began in heavily covered oak watershed and then opened up into Chamise and manzanita covered Hills. From there we transitioned to fairly wide open Rolling Hills dotted with oak trees.

This large undamaged flat top mushroom is part of the Amanita mushroom genus, however, I was not able to find the exact species

We reached the point of the trail, where we will drop off the Southfork American River Trail, and go to the rivers edge in an area known as Satan’s Cesspool. It’s one of the heavier sections of Rapids on this portion of the river. If we were to continue straight, the Trail would take us to Cronin Ranch And Magnolia Ranch, BLM hiking areas.

We reached Satan’s cesspool. The rocks are worn smooth from the water running over it in years past. It’s a great place for lunch and a little mid morning siesta.

This fungi genus is the Common Milk Cap. Again, I’m not able to determine the specific species.

The trail crests some of the hills, giving beautiful views like this one of Folsom lake in the far off distance.  The Acorn Creek Trail meets and merges with the South Fork American River Trail, which we have been on. This junction is where we are returning back to the Acorn Creek Trail. If we were to continue straight, we would end up at the Skunk Hollow parking area at the Salmon Falls bridge

With the warming sun, many of the wildflowers are beginning to open and really pop on the way back.

We finished up the trip walking alongside Acorn Creek with its tranquil sound. As we approach the parking lot we are treated to a field full of Menzies Blue Eyes, which have opened up since our arrival this morning

Our total miles was 7 miles on the dot with an elevation change of 1076 feet. I hope you enjoy the video summarizing our hike.

5th post PCT, Peter Grubb Snow Shoe hike

February 23, 2024

Today we are planning on a snow shoe hike to peter grub hut with seven people from the BAS meet up group. We will be doing 5 to 6 miles today starting at a comfortable 34°.

The trail sign is almost covered with snow this year. There’s been a fair amount of new snowfall in the last week that has come down. The trees are well coated. The trail is well packed and easy to follow.

 

Castle Peak sits off behind me. From this open spot on the trail we have a beautiful view of it.

The Pacific Crest Trail head is east of where we started our hike by about a quarter of mile. Our snowshoe trail essentially parallels the PCT going in a straight line while the PCT has a little more of a curve around the meadow that I picture earlier. It is in this area where we join the Pct although with the snow it’s not readily evident other than a blade visible on a nearby tree. We will be on the PCT until we return to here from the hut.

We stopped at the top of castle peak saddle for a nice group photo. From the top, you can see both directions for far distances.

We arrived to Peter Grubb hut, and unfortunately it was locked. About 1/4 mile back we came across a group of 18 cross country skiers who had spent a couple nights at the hut. During lunch the weather took a turn. The wind has come up and the sky has darkened becoming overcast. The temperature was quickly dropping as we headed back towards the cars.

Just outside of the hut location is this snow covered Meadow surrounded by picturesque mountains.

We’ve come over and off the saddle. Temperatures are becoming a little bit warmer and the wind is now blocked making it much nicer. I’ve gotten rid of my snowshoes, put on the micro spikes, and ditched my puffy jacket again. 

Heading back down the trail we came across a couple of snowmen. I don’t know if these were here on our way up, but it looks like somebody took a little bit of time for some fun.

We arrived back at the cars, 6.22 total miles today with 1,152 feet of elevation. It was a great hike with a good group of people.

J