Days 16-18: pleasant days and questions for hikers

General thoughts from the trail.

Questions from hiker to hiker

What are the questions NOBO (northbound) hikers ask each other? They vary, but here are some common questions asked at this point: Are you going to summit (insert one): Mount San Jacinto/Mt. Baden-Powell/Mt. Whitney? Heading to Mikes Place/Lil Bear Hostel/In and Out Burgers/Hiker Town? Are you concentrating on (insert any city)? Where did you camp last night? Where will we camp next? Have you met so-and-so? What is your name and where are you from? These will change depending on location, but I hope they stay similar. As you might expect, meeting so many adventurous people is a huge, fun, and great part of the trip. The questions above are in no way derogatory, just an example of what our approach is as hikers. One question I hope fades away is, “when did you start?” since I think the further we get from the border, the less it will matter. I haven’t asked anyone that yet and I don’t think I will, but in the words of James Bond, «Never say never.»

My favorite question comes from my lovely wife and is, «What are you looking forward to next?» I’ve read dozens and dozens of Trek blogs, watched a lot of vlogs, and read about 10 books over the last few years and for this section they’re all talking about Deep Springs, McDonalds in Cajon, Baden-Powell, etc. The thing is, yes, I look forward to those notable highlights, but it’s all about filling in the gaps and discovering hidden groves and streams when I had no idea what was coming. Discovering things for myself is what I look forward to the most.

Day 16: Day Zero

Day Zero in the Cabin. I repaired a fence, hooked up irrigation, refilled the bird feeder, ate breakfast at the Teddy Bear Café, took a hiker to Vons, played cards and watched TV with my better half. Generally, the goal of a zero day is to not be on your feet. My knees appreciated the rest.

Day 17

20 miles or so

From the intersection of PCT and Van Dusen Canyon Road at mile marker 275.0, elevation 7262

To Bench Camp at mile 294, elevation 5216

Up 1611 Down 3720

People I walked with: None

The weather was cold and the forecast was rain/snow, and although Connie at Big Bear DIY Hardware told me yesterday that it wouldn’t snow, I decided to hit the trail around 1000am to let the weather pass and let it warm up to 40 degrees or so. This section is generally downhill and not the harder climbs experienced previously. Much easier, but the weather kept it «spicy.» Walking in the light snow wearing shorts made me move quickly. The trail connected to Holcomb Creek and the day ended at a good 3 mph pace. Much better than the 2mph caused by big climbs and steep descents.

Take 3 hikers on the way to the trail.

Day 18

24.9 miles or so

From Bench Camp at mile 294.7, elevation 5216

To the campsite at kilometer 320.1, elevation 3563

Up 2746 Down 4429

Camping: alone

People I walked with: Prophet

This day I visited the famous Deep Creek Hot Springs. Jumping into the cold stream and then into the hot spring pool, I quickly relaxed. I spent a quick hour here and then continued on the trail. Walking for a while with Prophet made me move quickly. This day ended passing the Mojave Forks Dam and one last crossing of Deep Creek. At this last crossing I saw a rattlesnake slowly moving down the bank and then swimming very quickly across the stream. With the goal of reaching the McDonalds at Cajon Pass, I made my biggest day at 24.9 miles. My knees feel it. I think I’ll stick to lower miles in the next few days.

The plains west of the Mojave Forks Dam

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