A Special Thanks To You

My kids wanted me to post a something special for those quiet, unsung, behind the scenes folks who help hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail.  As most of you know by now that my Daughter and Son-In-Law completed nearly 1500 miles of the PCT this past spring and summer.  This post is a tribute to those who help hikers by means of water, food, and shelter.  Following in no particular order is a pictorial of some of these folks they call...

TRAIL ANGELS

"We are so grateful for all you do for the hikers on the PCT and forever thankful for having the pleasure to have made your acquaintance"

THANK YOU ALL!

Legs & Powerhouse

Mountains and The Mojave

My work schedule the past couple weeks had prevented me from posting the latest from our hikers on the PCT.  I also wanted to mention the fact that I've neglected to mention that once on the trail, one is dubbed with a trail hiker "name".  Amy, whose trail name is "Legs" was given due to her ability to set the hiking pace for the other hikers in her group.  Allan, has been dubbed "Powerhouse" because he packs all the necessary "solar" equipment to keep everyones electronics energized.  Hiking pal Austin's trail name is Treble.  Perhaps it's because he's always snagging his gear on brush along the trail? lol.  Anywho, my last post had them descending from the Angeles National forest mountains with my last pic being that of the Los Angeles basin.  At that point they were at approximately 373 miles into the trail.  Since then, they've reached mile 400...

They've hiked through the barren hills on the northeast side of the Angeles forest where the trail had been rough with temperatures reaching triple digits.  

Little streams like this creek named Little Jimmy Spring allowed for replenishing canteens and a cool drink.  Barely noticeable in the  picture.








Time for a quick stop and photo at Grassy Hollow.

A lone cedar stands trailside.  This one with a massive split in it's trunk.

The last 30 miles of their descent off the mountain proved to be the roughest having to work their way through plants called "Poodle Dog" bush that are similar to poison ivy.  It truly slowed the hike down to that of a crawl.  "Legs" was never happier to have completed this section.

Little rewards like these wild flowers helped to soften the trail and allowed to forget about harsher sections.

This image of "Powerhouse" shows how warm it was as they continued on their descent towards the Mojave desert.  The Southern California heat holds no mercy and the terrain provides minimal shade.

Critters like this lizard have a hard time finding shelter from the sun.

The descent.

Leaving the North Fork Ranger station at Agua Dulce, CA.




Just north of Vasquez Rocks state park, our hikers find "Hiker's Haven".  A hiker's retreat created by The Saufley's that provides clean clothes, shelter,  internet, and all the comforts of home.  Here, "Legs" is pictured with Hiker Haven owner Donna Saufley.

"She is the BEST trail angel"


Here are a few of the many amenities they provide...

Trailers like these are provided free of cost to PCT hikers.

After our hikers left the retreat of Hiker's Haven, they continued on to the point where they were to cross an 80 mile stretch of the Mojave desert.  Determining the daytime temps were to hot to hike in, they decided to hike by night and try to find shade to sleep in the day.  This proved to be a good move, but made for a tough time sleeping.  Very few pictures were taken.

Oasis cache like this one is found along the trail at night.  Trail angels secretly drop off refreshments like, water, soda, and beer.

Friends of the night greet them along the winding trail.

A scorpion

Tarantula

and...

This creature.

Treble and Powerhouse ready to head out on another night's hike.

and yet another.

6.13.12

At last our hikers arrive in Tehachapi, CA where they get to take in a hearty breakfast at Denny's

All you can eat flapjacks for 4 bucks makes for three happy hikers!

After a night and days rest, our trio carry on into the evening...

and on their way up into the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. Spot tracker currently has them located in the foothills inbetween Wylers Knob and Skinners Peak on Robin Bird Spring Canyon Rd at mile 631.5.

HAPPY TRAILS!

A Big Bear

Our hikers have truly gained some ground this past week having covered over 100 miles since their decent from Idyllwild, CA.  After a couple days rest and replenishing supplies, they left the campground and

descended upon the valley floor a meer 6,000 ft below on the 21st of May.

  Here are a few shots as they followed the trail on the descent.

 The trail ahead.

 Decending Black Mountain and the view of Cabazon Valley below...

Looking back from where they came.

During a break and to help past the time Allan makes this trail slingshot.

Great pose too!

Not many pictures were taken as the heat and their eagerness to hit the valley floor overtook the need for site seeing.  Finally reaching Cabazon, their first stop brings them to trail angels Lance and Tracy

 where our hikers get to cool off in the shade and enjoy a beverage and fresh oranges.

The temp in the Cabazon Valley was 105 degrees.

The 22nd of May also brought our hikers to mile 200.

Pictured here with "Ziggy" another trail angel, our hikers are treated to dinner and an overnight stay.

Back on the trail and preparing the ascent up the San Gorgonio wilderness area and Big Bear mountain.  Allan and Austin look ready for the challenge.

Hiking into the San Gorgonio wilderness area and at mile 220, they were surprised by this crystal clear stream that invited a dip to cool off from the scorching heat.

After the break and on the trail once again.  Wind turbines scattered along the foothills and sagebrush.

Life is alive in the San Gorgonio.

Critters like this horned lizard run free. This one doesn't appear to be very happy having his picture taken, lol.

This tree that I believe is a Dogwood, stands alone on the trail side.

Here's a great shot of Allan as they ascend up a rocky section of trail.

High atop the mountain the valley is barely visible.

A couch, cooler, and cold beverages invite our hikers.  Amy and Austin enjoy the rest.

Making it to Big Bear City in the San Bernardino mountains they met awesome trail angels Mountain Mama and Papa Smurf...

who took them in for the night, let them do their laundry, shower, 

and best of all... 

treated them to a hearty meal.

The following morning as they hike high above the tree tops, the view of Big Bear Lake in the distance.

After a good rest and more than 20 miles further down the trail, this beautiful mid morning shot was taken by trail pal Austin.

Their first campfire of the trip.

Allan and Austin and a lil chow.

The nights sky.

Back on the trail with...

a Big Bear behind them 

and reaching mile

300

 Memorial Day

05.28.12