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Day 11--Campsite Between Spitler Peak and Apache Peak to Saddle Junction (and thence to Idyllwild CA)

Day 11--Campsite Between Spitler Peak and Apache Peak to Saddle Junction (and thence to Idyllwild CA)

Otter's 2021 PCT Thru-Hike

Written Friday, 30 April 2021

Another nice sleep while cowboy camping, and even though today will be, yet again, a hot hike, I let myself sleep in until about 0500. This will be a short day, just about 10 miles, and I'm in an area where I am not comfortable hiking with just a headlamp for illumination.

The sun has just perked over the horizon when I bid farewell to Safe and start forward (and upward) again.

About a mile ahead, I pass Apache Junction where several other hikers camped last night. They are all packing and preparing to hike. Several of them will pass me soon, I'm sure.

The scenery is quite impressive this morning, as I climb higher and higher.

Three miles up the Trail,I reach one of the most highly advertised impediments to hiking on the PCT, a rockslide that buries the Trail which, at this point,is on a ledge overlooking a gorge. We've been hearing about this obstacle since Day 1 (or, really, before), and it has been building in my mind for quite a while.

Turns out to be a little overblown. Yes, it blocks the Trail. Yes, the only way around is to grip a a rope and slide around the rockslide, fanny swinging in the breeze. But it only takes 3 steps to get around the blockage, and the ledge on the other side is pretty wide so footing is easy.

Anyway, when we tell this story in the future, the slide covered at least 50 feet, and I had to do the Batman swing while blindfolded (so as not to see the bleached bones of unsuccessful attempters) and land on a spot the size of a postage stamp.

Honestly, the bigger obstacle is the tree that is blown down 10 feet past the rockslide. I actually have to take my pack off, push it under the tree and then crawl under myself, swearing profusely when I stand up a little too soon, gouging my back on the stub if a broken branch.

As I put my pack back on, I look ahead to see a hiker about 30 feet ahead. Turns out it's Half Hook, who I haven't seen since Day 3 at Pine House restaurant in Mount Laguna. He's pictured above in the photo ribbon.

I laugh at his beard. He laughs at mine. I invite him to stay with us in Idyllwild. He agrees. We move on.

Over the next few miles, we do see some snow, including some snow that overlies the Trail. However, it's far, far less snow than a normal year, none of it is deep enough to posthole, and none of it is in a place that would be dangerous if you slipped.

With perfect timing, I run out of water (last refilled yesterday, 20 miles back!) about the time I cross Tahquitz Creek. I grab one liter to keep me until I can get to Saddle Junction and then down the side trail to Humber Park where I hope I can hitch into Idyllwild.

I'm still going upward, past 8,000 feet as I arrive at Saddle Junction.

I immediately turn left and begin an 1800-2000 foot descent down the Devil's Slide Trail. It's a beautiful trail for day hikers, but I'm going to have to climb it in reverse on Monday to get back on the Trail. I try not to think about it.

Luckily, on the way down, I meet a couple who are day hiking. We talk about thru hiking the PCT and they offer me a ride to town when we get to the Humber Park parking area. Score!

Once in the car, it takes less than 10 minutes to get to my AirBnB, and I exit, thanking this nice couple profusely for their kindness.

I'm actually an hour early for my check in time so I sit on the porch until 1500. Just as I insert the key into the lock, Silke and Florian come around the corner, followed shortly thereafter by Lauren and Karolina.

Half Hook shows up about an hour later.

Just like it was planned.

Let the relaxation begin!

I'm safe, dry, and warm in Idyllwild CA tonight.


Miles hiked today: 10.9 Total miles hiked: 179.4


Sea Otter Fact of the Day: Sea otters are the only members of the Mustelid family that lack scent glands

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Comments (5)


Forrest Gump May 8th, 2021

Hah, thank you! I think it’s mostly my new iPhone that’s getting these shots!


Roger. Headed toward Wrightwood on Sunday (arrive Thursday or Friday, depending on how speedy I get). Enjoy the downtime. Love this app! Wish my photo talent was as good as yours!


Forrest Gump May 8th, 2021

You’re a few days ahead still. I’m taking my first zeros this weekend near Palm Springs with family. Will hit the trail again on Sunday night. Big Bear probably on Wednesday.


Currently in Big Bear City


Forrest Gump May 7th, 2021

Otter, where you at??!


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