PCT SOBO DAY 127 – Creek Adventure

Day 127

Start: Dirt road, mile 2411.1

End: Whitewater Preserve Visitor Center, near mile marker 2437.3

Miles Traveled: 26.2 miles + 0.5 miles to center

I woke up and felt very refreshed. The air was a nice cool temperature and the top of the mountain I was on was calm. I decided to enjoy a slower breakfast to start the day. While I was eating in my tent, I heard footsteps next to me. I wasn’t curious enough to look outside the store, but when I heard another set and some chatter, I peeked my head out. It was the Australian and another hiker! I said «hello» and hurried to finish my breakfast so as not to be left behind.

A few minutes later, Sun passed by. Sweet! The crew was here! I definitely had to get up and walk now. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to walk with these guys.

Finally, I recovered and got on the road. It was a clear day with no clouds in the sky. It was only a few kilometers until I reached the beginning of the canyon. A trail crew was repairing the trail, making it like new. Thanks, tracking team!

I turned the corner and sat on the side of the “trail” where the boys were. They were having their morning snack, so I had perfect timing! Sun, the Aussie, and the third guy, Cowboy, were more than happy for me to join them.

A few minutes later our adventure began. The creek bed was littered with large rocks, uprooted trees, and a pile of debris. There was no defined trail, so we relied on the footprints of hikers before us and our common sense. It was great fun having to navigate through the mess, but we soon hit a rough patch. A waterfall descent.

There was no way we could go down the waterfall because it was too dangerous, but there was also no clear way back. After looking for tracks, I suggested we get out the map and see where the trail was supposed to be. Turns out it was about 30 feet up and out of the canyon. Aussie and Cowboy climbed an exposed, incomplete rock wall, while Sun and I looked for safer alternatives.

It took us a while, but we finally managed to find a crack in the washed out walls bordering the creek. We climbed out, using our hands to pull ourselves up and our feet to push ourselves until we found ourselves tangled in a mass of bushes. After some pushing and skinned knees, we finally made it out of the creek bed and onto the trail. It was kind of fun!

The rest of the day wasn’t filled with as much fighting. Once we found the trail, we were able to follow it or follow the wide, flat creek bed. We had to deal with some rocks, but no more steep drops.

After lunch in the shade, we continued walking until the evening. Our goal was to get to the Whitewater Preserve Visitor Center as they were hiker friendly, had restrooms, and real running water. Luxury!

When we got there, it was shit! It was a hard day walking over uneven pebbles and choosing the right path. We walked late into the night, so I was very happy when I was finally able to sit down and rest. After a communal dinner, we practically all passed out for the night.

And that’s a day in the life of a PCT SOBO hiker!

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