Journey Day 20 | PCT Day 20

Keith Jones pausing in Southern California

5/6/85

From our creekside spot, we climbed quickly to about 7,500 feet, then to 8,000-plus. Gradual grades relative to the San Jacintos, Bucksnorts, in forested environs. Keith agog with trees. “That’s a classic example of a sugar pine.”

One screw up: We decide to go two miles past the last creek chance. The guidebook and maps tell of a creek a half-mile off the trail. But it’s almost dry. We get some murky brew from a small ponded area. We lose about an hour to save an hour of carrying extra water.

The PCT hunger hits and we eat the largest dinner to date since Keith cooked spaghetti. Still we hiked hard and make 16 miles, 17 plus for the day with the extra hiking.

Anticipation of a layover makes hiking easier. It’s been almost two weeks since I’ve showered and three since I slept in a bed.