Woke up about 3:30 and couldn't get back to sleep. Eventually got up, showered, ate breakfast, and headed out about 6:45. Not sure if I'm just worn out or if I'm used to the outdoors now and a bed feels weird.
Our goal was to hitch up to Humber Park and then climb the Devil's Slide Trail back to the PCT. It worked perfectly. First car by pulled over for us and we literally crammed ourselves and our gear inside. It was a VERY tight fit, but we all made it. The guys who picked us up were going up to climb Tahquitz Rock. They were really nice and refused any money for the ride. Climbed up to Saddle Junction to pick up the trail.
Kept climbing and after a few miles turned off onto the trail to San Jacinto Peak.
Kept climbing through steep terrain with better and better views and a few snow patches.
Did even more climbing and reached the summit a little before 10:30 am.
Admired the views and ate some lunch. About an hour later, the rest of the crew (Lost and Found, Popcorn, and two new guys, Supplies and Olaf) showed up. Over the next few hours, tons of day hikers also showed up after taking the tram up from Palm Springs. We all are and chatted for about 2 hours before I decided it was time to move on. Packed up and began the descent. Rejoined the PCT after a few miles. My route today means that I skipped about 4.5 miles of the PCT, but instead hiked 5.2 miles up to the summit. Most people say San Jacinto summit is not to be missed and they're right. Was able to look down about 10,000 feet to Palm Springs and also over to where the trail will go over the next few days. Got some water at the cold, snowmelt fed North Fork of the San Jacinto River and kept hiking along Fuller Ridge.
Had some snow patches here, but nothing too treacherous. This will hopefully be the last snow before the Sierra.
Stopped after only 12 miles today because there's no camping allowed for the next 16 miles due to last year's Snow Fire. Will tackle that section tomorrow. The rest of the crew showed up about 7:20 when I was already in my sleeping bag. I chatted with them a bit before going to sleep.
I always look forward to your updates! Do you write them at night or in the mornings?
ReplyDeleteAt night right before bed
Delete#askmichael "WHAT is that red thing?" I too look forward to your updates. You just keep them coming! I saved one of these pics ;-)
ReplyDeleteI was wondering the same thing. Is that some kind of red flower?
DeleteIt's called a snow plant and it's parasitic. It taps into the underground fungi network and steals their food. It's red because it doesn't have chlorophyll. I was hoping to see it because it was talked about in a webinar about the botany of the PCT.
DeleteWow! Thank you for that information. Apparently, it is edible and is now protected from collection and destruction by California Law.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering when/if you'd see a snow plant! It was the most memorable plant from the botany videos for sure. Those mountain views (as always) are incredible!
ReplyDeleteSo is that a good thing that it eats the fungi’s food? I guess if CA protects it, it must be a “good” plant.
ReplyDeleteIt's the circle of life...it part of nature so it's good.
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