7 April 2021
Barrel Spring to Mike’s Place
PCT Mile 101.1 to 126.9

I slept really well last night! Frogs were croaking owls were hooting and I heard all that for about 15 minutes before I conked.

The early walk this morning took us through gorgeous cow pastures full of goldfields, lupines, and poppies, and the smell of green grass hung heavy in the air. I became so overwhelmed with its sweetness that I started to cry. I still can’t believe I get to take such a wonderful journey!

A ate breakfast at a beautiful oasis where the trail crosses San Ysidro creek.

By mid-morning I arrived at Eagle Rock, an icon of the PCT which looks so much like an Eagle that it seems like it can’t be real!

Afterward I passed two dozen day hikers on their way in. They smelled so perfumy to me compared to my own savory odor! I was surprised to see so many mid-week until I learned that this week is Spring Break here.

When I reached Warner Springs I walked the road to the post office to pick up a resupply package with food I had mailed to myself. Then I continued walking the road until it intersected with the PCT again.

I should note that I am not worried about missing a mile or two of the PCT here or there. Instead, I am trying to do “continuous footsteps” which means that if I get a ride somewhere I have to return to that spot and continue on foot so there is one unbroken path from Mexico to Canada. Fire detours are the most likely reason I may have to abandon this plan as I head further north. We’ll see.

Back on the PCT I headed up Agua Caliente Creek, a lovely stretch that is popular with local backpackers.

After that the trail climbs up away from flowing water and back into the dry, windy, hot desert chaparral.

I passed up the water at Lost Spring because other hikers said it contained “extra protein.”

Instead of stopping at Lost Spring, I carried enough water from Agua Caliente to get me to Mike’s Place, a weird trail angel house just off the trail that a hiker named Goose called “one part Woodstock, and one part Apocalypse Now.’

I got in too late for a free dinner, but decided to camp there with about 20 other hikers since I was tired after 27 miles and more than happy to sleep anywhere. Fortunately, camp was soon quiet aside from a few snores!

Today’s Hike-U

Verdant Relief
What does green smell like?
An open pasture after
Miles of hot desert