PCT: Days 38 – 44

Days 38, 39 and 40 were zero days as we had to take care of some family matters.

Day 41 – Snakes
Start: I-10 underpass – 209.5
End: Whitewater crossing – 220.1
Miles: 10.6
Ascent: 2451 ft| Descent: 1241 ft
Start time: 9:35 am
End time: 4:15 pm
Current elevation: 2568 ft

The night before we got back on trail we spent the night with Ellen’s brother Pete and Debbie. We got up somewhat early to drive 1 1/2 hours back to the I-10 underpass near Cabazon. The drive was easy with only a few minor traffic backups. We arrived at the Enterprise rent a car around 8:30 am. We then waited until they had a driver to drive us back to the trailhead. Around 9:30 am we were back on trail! Woohoo!

It was already starting to get hot with temps in the 70s. After only an hour we saw our first rattlesnake. Ellen heard the rattle and then jumped and let out a small scream. Luckily it just slithered off into the bushes. Ellen got a photo but only the tail.

After another hour we made it to the wind farm offices and they graciously welcome hikers. We found a gazebo with cold water and promptly took a nap after lunch. We were both feeling sluggish from being off the trail for four days. But after an hour of sitting around we decided we better get going.

It was another 6.7 miles to the Whitewater River crossing. We slowly made our way up and down the hills. After another hour and a half, some hikers in front of us waved at us to warn us that there was a snake just up ahead. Sure enough, a few minutes later Jeff heard the rattle and spotted the curled up rattlesnake under a bush right next to the trail. As soon as we got closer it started rattling. The snake would not give up his shady trail side spot and so we took a wide berth around the snake.

The rest of the afternoon was uneventful as we made our way towards Whitewater River which was was really roaring from all the snow melt.

We got to the crossing and found a really nice flat spot for a tent site. A little bit later a group of six hikers showed up and looking for campsites across the creek. We watched as they looked for a place to cross and took mental notes for our crossing tomorrow. All in all it was a good day. We did the miles we set out to do.

Day 42 – Wet feet day

Start: Whitewater crossing – 220.1
End: tributary of mission creek – 235.4
Miles: 15.3
Ascent: 4499 ft| Descent: 918 ft
Start time: 6:28 am
End time: 5:02 pm
Current elevation: 6076 ft

It was a nice warm evening and night. No need to put electronics and water filter in our sleeping bags.

First thing this morning we needed to make the crossing of Whitewater River. It was pretty intimidated but we both took our time and made it safely across. Jeff mentioned that the swift current was rolling a series of boulders the size of bowling balls past his legs as he crossed.

Then it was time to do some climbing. Once out of the Whitewater valley we had to climb over a ridge to get to the Mission Creek valley. The trail was not bad but we did keep our eyes peeled for snakes. No more seen.

Once we got to Mission Creek it was time to follow the creek up the canyon. This included about three dozen crossings. The trail was easy to follow except for a couple times where the creek had washed out the trail earlier in the winter.

At lunchtime we decided to take a 15 minute siesta in the shade. Afterwards it was hard to get going. It was hot in the afternoon climbing up the canyon next to the creek. It actually felt really good to wade across the creek and cool down our feet.

We found a campsite along a tributary of Mission creek. We were both stinky and took advantage of the water and we both took a sponge (bandana) bath. Adhering to Leave No Trace Principles, this does not include soap! Today we had a net elevation gain of about 3500 ft. Tomorrow we are back in the snow.

Day 43 – Back in the snow
Start: tributary of mission creek – 235.4
End: top of climb – 248.2
Miles: 12.8
Ascent: 3741 ft| Descent: 1057 ft
Start time: 6:59 am
End time: 4:13 pm
Current elevation: 8748 ft

Neither one of us wanted to get going today. We both did not sleep well and we wanted to sleep a little longer. However, we knew it was time to get up and get some miles in.

The first thing in the morning was a 4.5 mile climb to Mission creek trail camp. It was a long slow climb and took us almost three hours.

Once finally on top we made the right turn and said goodbye to Mission creek canyon and within a couple miles said hello again to the snow. We put on our micro spikes and made easy work of the less than 2 miles of snow traverses.

Once back on the south side of the mountain it was easy going, but still up. We were told that water was not an issue as there were many streams. Wrong! We got to Coon cabin and Coon Creek was dry. We loaded up our water bags with snow with the hope of melting it as we hiked in the sun.

We got to the top of the climb where there was a campsite. Ellen was totally out of water and Jeff had very little. It was another 8.7 miles to a known spring for our next water. Since there was lots of snow at this campsite, we made the decision to stop a little early and melt snow with the stove for tomorrow’s hike and tonight’s dinner.

We met a few more hikers who also decided to camp at this site. One was a fine gentleman named Jack from Alberta Canada. We didn’t know it at the time, but we would be spending much of the next week with Jack.

Day 44 – Kenny’s place – Big Bear Lake
Start: top of climb – 248.2
End: hwy. 18 Big Bear – 266.1
Miles: 17.9
Ascent: 1887 ft| Descent: 3576 ft
Start time: 6:55 am
End time: 4:05 pm
Current elevation: 6832 ft

We got going after less than an hour from wake up time. We are getting quicker in the mornings. The first mile of the trail we had to deal with some snow fields. Then it was dry trail! Our next known water was about 6 miles away but after only two miles we found a small snow melt stream.

After about another 4 miles we got to Cienaga Seca Creek which was flowing nicely. We took a break, drank lots of water and filled our water bottles. We knew we had some miles until our next water source.

About 10 miles into the day we got to Arastre Creek. We followed the creek for several miles crossing it many times. After so many wet days, we had decided that today would be “Dry Foot Friday”. That meant no walking straight thru the creeks and getting our feet wet.

Most of the afternoon was downhill which was good since it was a long way to the road. We had called Kenny for a ride and a stay at his place earlier in the morning. We now had to somewhat hustle to get to hwy 18 where he was going to pick us up.

When Kenny showed up he also had Jack with him. Kenny took us to his place and he explained that he’s been hosting hikers for about 4 years and he loves it.

We got to Kenny’s place and his garage door was painted with “Trump 2024” in huge letters. We were not sure what we were in for. However, Kenny stated that talking politics was not allowed in the house. In spite of our different political views, we found Kenny to be a most gracious host and we all had a great time during our stay.

After Kenny showed us around and explained how things worked it was time for dinner and resupply. Eight of us went to the local diner/bar and had a great meal. During dinner, a hiker with trail name “Butterfly” was trying to find names for hikers who had not yet acquired names. Ellen took charge of collecting cash for the bill and at that moment was given the name “TC” for “Take Charge”. Jack was given the name “Commander”. Then Kenny took four of us to the grocery store to do our resupply.

We also did our laundry as soon as we got to Kenny’s. Once back from dinner and resupply we were both exhausted and could not think about putting our food together. It will have to wait till morning. We had had a long day, hiked 17.9 miles, it was already 9 pm. Way past our bedtime!

12 hikers stayed at Kenny’s last night! Plans are for Kenny to drop most of us back at the trailhead tomorrow morning.

Here is the next video!