We started the morning a little later, knowing we needed to hitch a ride back to Humber Park where we would hike a 2.5 mile side trail to rejoin the PCT. THEN, we could continue our PCT trek.
After walking a mile up the road, we caught a ride in the back of a pickup truck to the trailhead.
Back on the PCT we decided to take a side trail and summit Mt San Jacito.
At 10,834 feet, San Jacito is the tallest peak along the southern California section of the PCT. The side trail would take us up to the peak, then we would descend the other side of the mountain and rejoin the PCT. The round trip was about 6 miles.
The trail started off pretty easy but soon transitioned to snow as we gained elevation. It was tough going; we post-holed a lot during our battle for the summit.
We made it up to the peak and were rewarded with great views from the top.
And some adventure juice sent from back home. Thanks again!
After resting and taking in the views, we had to make it down off the peak back to the pct. From the peak we had about 8 miles to go until our camp site for the night.
It was slow going. There was tons of snow and ice on the back side of the mountain. We averaged about a mile per hour.
As the evening wore on, we were treated to a great sunset as we raced the sun back to camp.
We would lose that race and had to don our headlamps for the last half hour or so as we worked down the PCT along Fuller Ridge and finally into camp. Including the road walk, side trail, San Jacinto peak and PCT, we ended up with over 16 tough, often snow-covered miles. It was mentally and physically challenging, but we made it!
Weeehooo! That snow looked rough….?
Wow. Making it back down in the snow with no light. Looks like a challenge!
Just out of curiosity, what’s the covid situation on the trail? with groups of people, or in town? Is it something you jave to worry about? Being in France, I’m not sure how the situation is in California.
Thanks again for all the great pictures.
Most places are open (at reduced capacity). Everyone wears a mask indoors. On trail is isnt really different from a normal year. Though we will see day hikers wearing masks when they joke by us. Overall, it hasn’t been something we have been too concerned about so far
Glad to hear that. Happy and safe trails.
Found you! Love your blog. Beautifully done. I met you last Saturday coming down San Jacinto Peak. Beautiful day, sweet couple, inspiring to quit my job and just hike. Haha! Stay safe! Maybe I’ll see you in the Sierras in a month or so!
It was nice to meet you, thanks for checking us out. Hope to see you again up trail!
Do tell… what was the “adventure juice”?
Love following your blog!
Evan Williams and a couple other mini bottles of Kentuckys finest!