Day 7

Barrel Springs Rd (mile 101) to Lost Valley Spring (120). Stop at Warner Springs

PCT miles today - 19

Last night John (section hiker) and Michael joined us at the tent site. Michael had been at Montesuma Valley the previous night for resupplies and woke to find the store on fire. He and another hiker camped nearby called 911, but he said it was too late to save. The store and several hiker’s resupplies were lost. Somber news.

We woke early this morning and enjoyed a walk through an open cattle field (!) with very happy cows running at high speed. We assumed they were running to a feed station, but never saw one. They were entertaining. I took too many videos (can’t post) - looked like they were having just the best time. Poppies lined the trail, but were still closed as we passed. Bet the field was bright orange by mid day. We continued on hiking next to a stream and huge Live Oak trees, some 10-12 foot diameter with massive canopies. Impressive. We had planned to stop at Eagle Rock, but blew past it without seeing a sign and arrived in Warner Springs, then hiked a mile into the small town to the Post Office. Picked up resupply and left a fair amount of our over-flow (too much food!) for other hikers resting outside.

Left Warner Springs and our idyllic morning hike and started the exposed, long, hot trek up the mountain. Stopped to soak feet in Agua Caliente creek for a few minutes and continued on. Passed several hikers taking the afternoon to sleep in the shade. Smart people! Made it to the Lost Valley Spring for water and camp. Met a new group of hikers who had spent the previous night at this site and were packing up to continue on to Mike’s Place for the night. We are happy here with the Cold water!! Best ever! Rick is nervous, but dealing with his first taste of desert heat. It was only in the 80’s... Early morning rise and hike to ‘Mary’s Place’. ❤️