Month: May 2018

PCT 2018 Day 21, May 13, Sunday.

Start mile 454.5, Agua Dulce, Hiker Heaven.

End 483.3

Miles walked: 28.8

The weather conditions of a couple of days ago are still in effect: low cloud cover and cool, quite cold in the cloud layer.

At lower elevations, 3.5k, grasses and shrubs grow thickly, and at higher altitude for the day of 5.5k the grasses are gone. On a hot day no trees would be available for shade, and water sources are limited. But today was cold enough that I hiked with windbreaker on nearly all day, sometimes in clouds, other times underneath. Late in the day I cross a highway and trail angel Tall Paul, with dog Sonora, invites me to the Andersons, a popular host for hikers.

I had just zeroed at Hiker Heaven, and was not ready to stop again. He replied that was probably for the best, since the Andersons was getting crowded today and was a nexus difficult for hikers to escape and this was great hiking weather. Yep, that reverse psychology almost worked.

Back up the mountain I walk a few more miles, and make camp in solitude, as skies clear.

PCT 2018 Day 20, May 12, Saturday.

Start mile 454.5, Agua Dulce, Hiker Heaven.

End mile 454.5, Agua Dulce, Hiker Heaven.

Miles walked: 0

Rested as much as possible.

Chatted with Rob, Bolo. Tortoise,
First Bird, Irish, and GPSy arrived later.

PCT 2018 Day 19, May 11, Friday.

Start mile 429.2, under a tall pine

End mile 454.5, Agua Dulce, then shuttle to Hiker Heaven.

Miles walked: 25.3

Starting at elevation 5.5k, a mist has appeared below.

Descending into the fog at Messenger Flats campground, an important water stop, the air is much cooler, and the sun shaded to gentleness.

Below the cloud, the day remains cool and shaded, compared to fierce heat of previous days.

Just past the highway to the Acton KOA, the terrain changes suddenly to sandstone with red tints, low enough altitude for grasses to reappear, and though washed out in photos by cloud cover, much resembling the hills near Socorro NM.

Past a tunnel under a freeway is Velasquez Rocks, a canyon with rock formations much like San Lorenzo Canyon on the Grand Enchantment Trail.

Down to the town of Agua Dulce, I start walking the mile or so to Hiker Heaven, when the truck shuttle picks me up.

I am given the tour. The Saufleys have for several years turned over their spacious yard and garage and guest house over to the use of hikers. Helpers organize food drop packages and do hiker laundry in the garage. An outdoor shower has a signup list. Wifi is available, and a computer. A shuttle truck runs to town every hour and a half or so each day, announced by megaphone.

Some other features make the experience unique. Chickens freely roam among the tents, and will come inside if you do not zip your door.

Dogs also roam. Horses are just pass the tents.

I go into town and get supplies to hike to the next town, then go to a Mexican restaurant and find other hikers at a table and they graciously allow me to join. Codex, Miguel, and Tiana.

Tent neighbors include Fish Tank, Little John, and Tic Tac.