Day 8
PCT 119.1 to 147.
PCT miles today - 28 miles
Very spotty AT&T coverage area.
WhooHoo! What a day! We woke at the Lost Spring site to a cool, sunny morning and started at about 6:00 to Mary’s Place (tent sites and water!). About a mile into the hike, a ‘youngster’ was packing up his tent. A few minutes later he flew by us. Really looked like he was flying. Long legs, big smile, and a bounce in his step that seemed a bit otherworldly. Wonder if we will ever see him again. We hiked through sage brush and manzanita, big views, passed the infamous ‘Mikes Place’ (didn’t stop) and reached a trail angel cache of water near a road. Wonderful. Filled one of our bottles, (had about 4 liters already) drank a bit and carried on. Temps started climbing and we were both getting uncomfortable - reaching 90 and no shade. We met ‘Dancing Bear’ (Jenny) and talked about pack weight and equipment. She was on the phone (Verizon, we soon learned) trying to locate a lighter tent. She was also carrying an ice ax. Not any fun at all! It was very hot!
We arrived at Mary’s Place and the wonderful water tank (!) about 5:30 - it was packed. 20 tents and no spot for ours. We saw Thaddeus (Gladiator to us) and John, but didn’t recognize anyone else. We continued from Mary’s another mile or two and found a gorgeous tent site with lovely view. ———————— This day deteriorated from easy hiking to a true challenge at the about 20 miles in - but valuable lessons have been learned for the true desert hike ahead:
Snakes are MUCH more frightening in the morning than they are in the afternoon. Late morning, a large black snake with a white back stripe (whip snake?) slithered fast across the trail just under Chris’ foot. She yelled expletives and jumped back a few feet. Late afternoon, the exact same event took place and Chris didn’t hesitate, kept hiking, and whispered ‘snake’.
When at a water cache, take the water you can carry and KNOW when next water will be available and the elevation gain needed to reach it. Don’t skimp!
Tequila is a liquid! At about 3:30, we were 4 miles from Mary’s Place (uphill) and fading. We found a bit of shade and rested to take stock of our water. Not much. Rick said we should eat, but only dried mangos would work without liquid. Rick then said, ‘hey, Tequila is a liquid!’. Charles (experienced PCT thru-hiker) said he carried Tiquila for the end of the day. We had never had Tequila , but brought a small plastic flask of it with us thinking it might be useful in case of snake bite or amputation ‘Gone with the Wind’ style. We were so parched we each took a couple sips and discovered it IS liquid. We were bolstered by this moisture and punch to our gut and made our way to Mary’s Place for water.
Make hotel reservations a couple of days ahead! Got AT&T coverage for about 15 minutes and tried for hotel in Idyllwild the following day, but fully booked, so we will carry on up the mountain another day.
Paradise Valley Cafe breakfast in the morning! Yes!
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