Today is our 5 month-iversary of being married! The scenery switched back and forth between desert and forest as we hiked through the morning. We encountered more giant pine cones and conifers as we closed in on the San Jacinto Wilderness.
About halfway into our planned mileage for the day we reached our first reliable water source. I calculated that if we each maxed out our water-carrying capacity then we would not need water until we reached Idyllwild tomorrow. Water sources further up the trail were reported to smell terrible, so we “cameled up” again. We had to hike an extra 2 miles round trip to get the water though. It was a big hassle; however, the water source was picturesque.
In the afternoon we started the see more burned landscape.
Near the end of the day, we had to climb up about 2,000 feet to where we planned to camp. The ascent was difficult, but we felt really good by the time we made it. So, we decided to push on an extra few miles. We had to bushwack our way over a saddle on Apache Peak to avoid hazardous conditions late in the day on a steep snow covered section of the trail. We eventually got to our new tentsite. Unfortunately, when we got there Sean’s pack frame broke!
After setting up camp we watched the sun set. We’re looking forward to seeing more of the San Jacinto Wilderness and reaching Idyllwild tomorrow!
Nice tent ! I hope your enjoying it . I’m so jealous of you two . Wow I miss the PCT.
Thanks!
Happy 5 month-iversary! What a way to celebrate!
Thanks!
Happy Anniversary! How exciting to be backpacking for your honeymoon. I’m curious about the backpack break… how has this impacted hiking (I will read on!)? Would you not recommend this pack? I just found your blog today and I am enjoying following your journey!
Thanks! I’m really not sure how the frame broke, I was tilting my pack towards me outside the tent and it snapped. Thinking it must have already been cracked. I would still reccomend it, ULA rushed a new frame out to the next trail town to replace it. Fortunately the break was high enough on the frame that it didn’t impact much from a structure/load bearing standpoint.