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Stopped at: Mission Creek, mile 234.3 Miles today: 22.3
George started at 5:30 am, 45 minutes ahead of me, and I wouldn't see him or anyone else for the rest of the day. Because I only walked 3.6 trail miles yesterday, today would be a big mileage day- maybe a potential 30 miler.
The morning was cold and windy, and I started the day wearing the rain jacket; however, just stepping on the other side of the hill the Pink Motel was situated on, the heavy winds immediately became a cool breeze. It was amazing how a few yards can change the surrounding temperatures. I viewed the small residential city and Interstate 10 one last time as clouds hovered closely over the brown terrain of the desert and hid the wind turbines like overcast skies.
Because this area is one of the lowest points on the PCT, there was only one way to go, up! The next water source was 9 miles away at White Water Canyon. One of the disgusting issues with the trail here was the human fecal and sometimes toilet paper in the middle of the trail. I surely hope these weren't from irresponsible thru-hikers.
It took 4.5 hours with a 15 minute break to reach the strong running stream through the white sandy desert. I couldn't understand where the water originated since the surrounding was barren. It was quite uncanny to have a fast moving water like a narrow river coming through this vastness of desert.
The chicken strips and fries purchased yesterday in Cabazon provided lunch, but the fries were mostly wasted because sand scattered through them.
The sun was almost directly overhead, and I needed to find a good shaded area. When I approached a tree just off the trail, what did I find? Human crap and exposed toilet paper. Good thing it was far from the running water, but the exposed toilet paper could still be blown towards the water. Amazingly careless. Maybe there was a better relaxing spot along the bank.
The water from the stream was almost tasteless (good)- probably the best natural water so far on this trip. Most of the bank was unshaded, but I managed to squeeze under and between some bushes to filter water, and relax for 2 hours during the hottest time of the day.
A thin water snake made its rounds up and down the banks in a constant pattern as though it had an innate sense eventually it would find its meal. It even came close to the water filter hose, and I had to scare it off. Most people probably do not find snakes cute, but this one had an adoring quality just like many other baby-sized animals. How nice it must be for this gaunt slivery creature to be the king of the waterways. Of course, anywhere man has a hand, all creatures move down one level on the life heirachy; luckily, the area doesn't appear too tainted with human presence.
The trail continued on the opposite bank where a pole was held upright by a pyramid stack of rocks. The next half mile was choose-your-own path just like those children's book because there wasn't a clear trail through the pavement of large rocks. The only guides were wooden PCT markers every so often.
It was a long trip up the mountain and back down before arriving at the next water source at "2 good camps." The databook said it was 1.6 miles from White Water, but it was much further; I suspect the trail must have been rerouted since the book was published. I started doubting the accuracy of the databook, and filtered 3 litres to go at 6:00 pm.
The trail after "2 good campsites" converted into an abundance of water sources- more natural sources (creek crossings) than probably the whole trail up to this point. In fact, it seemed too many water sources for the desert, but the surroundings no longer resembled the desert. This portion of the trail was utterly beautiful, especially when water was not an issue.
At 8:00 pm, I stopped and made camp next to a running creek, and the next water source was 3.1 miles ahead. The campsite was very nice and flat, but I had to make sure not to position the tent anywhere a dying tree might come crashing down. The other problem of camping near water was the mosquitoes, but this was their home, not mine- so how could I complain.
Big Bear City was still 2 days away, but the contact solution bottle was almost empty. Currently, I had enough food for 2 days- it was a good thing I purchased those hamburgers from Burger King yesterday.
