ALONG DEEP CREEK
PCT DAY 16: Mile 297.7 – Mile 318
Friday April, 29 2016: 20.3 miles (32.5 km)
What a difference 20 miles and a drop in altitude makes. Only yesterday we woke in a snowy wonderland and this morning we had a warm campsite that was bathed in morning sunlight. Such a wonderful contrast in such a short space of time. We were a bit slow to get moving this morning as it was so nice to enjoy breakfast in the sunshine. We also found that we had phone reception so it was a great opportunity to upload the blog posts and to check emails and weather reports.
Once we got moving, todays hiking can only be described as pleasant. The air was warm with a cool breeze blowing. Perfect hiking temperature. Pretty much all day long, we followed Deep Creek, crossing it several times. The trail was soft underfoot, being mainly coarse granite sand. And the terrain was not too challenging. We did not have too much ascending or descending to do. The sound of running water accompanied us most of the day until we reached the Mojave Dam wall in the mid-afternoon. Stunning flowers lined the trail, which added to the joy of todays hike for me. Hammer was lucky to see a most beautiful iridescent green hummingbird feeding on a thisle flower. I was a bit annoyed to miss it as I had almost stoped at that same thisle flower when I passed it before him. I am yet to see a hummingbird on this trail.
Purple haze
Collecting water for filtering
Deep water hole – Deep Creek
Deep Creek valley
Deep Creek valley
Rainbow bridge
Pollen on the tips – thisle flower
Beautiful
Relaxing in the sun after a swim
Lovely spot for lunch
It was quite strange that all morning we hiked alone and did not see another person. Then in the middle of what appeared to be nowhere – a busy clothing optional hot springs swimming spot. We did not stop here as Hammer had already taken a swim when we stopped for lunch at a lovely waterhole earlier. Again the contrast to yesterday could not be more stark. Hiking in snow one day, swimming in a waterhole in sunshine the next.
Clothing optional warm springs
Unusual flower unoponed
Unusual flower opened
We had an easy and pleasant day hiking up to the Mojave Dam wall. Reaching the Dam was quite confusing as it seemed to us to be built back to front. The spillway was facing the creek. We walked behind the spillway and for the next few hours as we ascended away from the dam, a continual hum of industry followed us.
Stunning spring flowers line the trail
Beautiful green water hole on Deep Creek
Approaching Mojave Dam
Mojave Dam spillway is enourmous
We decided to stop and camp near Grass Valley Creek without realising until we set up camp, that we had high voltage power lines spanning the ridge above us. The wind whisking through the lines sounds like the rumble and hum of traffic in a busy city.
Heading away from Mojave Dam
Still Will and Joe – the only hikers we flip-floped with these past two days.
Sounds like a beautiful day. Enjoy x
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Surely was Clare. Easy to hike along the sound of flowing water nearby.
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I meant to ask are you using solar chargers for your phones? I would like to know how the food works? Have you put in food drops? Have you dehydrated your food? What do you eat for brekkie and snacks during the day?
X
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We decided against a solar charger as it will not be that efficient in the Sierras, due to tree cover. We have a battery which is good for about 5 days of phone charging. And the phone is in aeroplane mode most of the time. We have not arranged any food drops so far although we will have to later on. Have a look at Craigs PCT planner online. Great tool for estimating travel times between resupply points and info on what is available in the nearby towns. If you have special food needs than a mailed resupply would be essential. We are pretty much omnivorous so all food is good. We have cut oats with dried fruit for breakfast. Soaked in water/milk powder overnight and it is delicious. Keeps us going till lunch. So far have had mainly supermarket food. Will be having more dehydrated meals in the Sierra where water availability will not be a big issue.
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Hi Mike,
What a blog and trip! Deserts one day, snow the next. Watched Wild and thought of you two straight away. Look forward to the updates and save them as a reward for getting marking done. Bet you don’t miss that!
Chris
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Meant to add, we are still in the desert for another 400 miles. The Mojave we are are expecting should be flat.
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It looks so free and wonderful to be there roaming along. I love the last photo of the hikers, and the intense little yellow flower. How peaceful it seems.
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The yellow flowers just make me happy. I can’t help taking photos of them. Will end up with hundreds I am sure. I like the hikers heading out as well. We had stopped for the day and they were going for another 5 miles or so. They both hike so fast. It us the daily contrast that continues to surprise. Last two days were not so peaceful with a freight rail line somewhere near. We finally got to see the trains today. Holly dooly… the trains are so long and there are so many going through the pass.
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