hikerjean22

Monday, May 12- Leaving Idllwild for day 13 on the PCT.

You stay back with the support team Andy.

Due to last year's fires in the San Jacinto Wilderness, part of the PCT was re-routed. Thus, the Devil Slide was the trail connector. And true to its name it was quite the climb uphill. 7.5 miles later I was awarded these views.

This view on the way ...this granite face on the mountain side is called Lily

The US Forest crew that I encountered clearing trail. They confirmed the challenges of the dry season and used only powerless saws.

Above the Lily, incredible forest pine smells and breezes gave a break from desert heat.

Night in the forest of San Jacinto Wilderness. Temps this night with the wind factor were in the 20's at 9,000 feet. Day 13 comes to an end.

Day 14:

High winds down trees

heading to fuller ridge with layers. Camped with two young Texan art designers- very personable and a late comer.

Too high, you can't go over them...too low you can't go under them...wasn't that a camp song? I must of met 8 down trees this size.

...and she's buying a stairway to heaven..."

What luck to find an abandoned forest service base camp just as the sun was lowering

Getting above the granite peaks on Day 14

The PCT climbs through a transition zone of Coulter and Jeffery pines. There are also red fir and lodgepole pines. (The best for tepee poles, I recall from m Northern Cheyenne Reservation days).
oops..forgot to point out the patch of snow in the pic... The tree trops have grown this way from the wind. Erosion on the rocks is harder to appreciate.

Now the trail begins what is called "the great descent" down to highway 10 and the San Gorgonio Pass

It may be hard to see..I am looking down at the mega wind farms and the San Bernardino Mts in the distance.

The view from where I came on day 14.

Trail day 14 ends.

I'm howling at the full moon...day is done..tomorrow 13 miles to cover..but then I will be greeted by the "West Coast Support Team" - Moira and Andy!