Southern California must really like me, because today it made me a mix tape of it's greatest hits. The day started of in lush pine and oak forest (pictured at my campsite). The temperature was cool and the trail an easy pine duff. Soon the trail curved northeast and began a 1000 foot climb up a dirt road. Typical of the PCT, the trail branched off the road with no signs, and appeared as only a small overgrown deer track. I only found it after overshooting it by half a mile, catching my mistake, and earning an extra half mile back uphill to the junction.
A mile later I was at a spring, one of a few water sources in this section. I loaded up and continued on, soon crossing Jawbone Canyon Road. I had actually camped off this road on a recent trip to Zion National Park, albeit far to the east of the PCT. From here the hills become much more dry, still with pine and manzanita, but lacking the ground cover of the prior 9 miles. Six more miles brought me to Paiute Mtn. Road, and a creek crossing - the last trailside water for 35 miles. The only water between there and the next spring would be miles off trail, or possible water caches at road crossings. Accordingly, I rested and drank as much as I could. I snapped off a picture of myself waiting for water to filter.
From the creek, the trail mounted a ridge heading eastward and began to descend through chaparral once more. I had grand views to the north as I headed down into the valley (pictured). I soon crossed Kelso Valley Rd, where I topped up my water from a cache, and proceeded to Butterbredt Road, beside which I am now camped. I must say that, despite the lack of water, I do have a pretty comfortable camp. I am stopped in a dry wash with soft sand. The sun was still up, so I set about making myself a chair. First I found a rock - I mean a big ass rock - kind of shaped like a cinder block. I hoisted it up and dropped it by my bed. Then I leaned my pack against it and had myself a nice seat facing the setting sun. Not including my detour, I made a little over 25 miles today.
The Socal mix tape did not include poodle dog bush or ticks, but made up for those with a close call with a rattle snake. I was cruising along late in the day when I heard the telltale rattle. I looked down to see I had passed the rattler about three feet back. He was rattling and poised to strike, and had been coiled about 2.5 feet from the trail. Fortunately I had been cruising about 4 miles per hour, so by the time he got in position to strike I was already past. I wonder, had I been going my normal slower pace, if he would have had time to strike. Oh well, no time to think about that now. Tomorrow is an all day climb with little or no water, so I need my rest!
