A NIGHT AT CASA DE LUNA

PCT DAY 25: Mile 462.6 –  Mile 478.2 (Casa de Luna)
Sunday May 8, 2016: 18.2 miles  (16 on PCT + 2 to Casa de Luna (29km)

So pleased we got the bulk of the climb out of Aqua Dulce done yesterday. Our campsite was perfect, it was on a protected side of a ridge and had hardly any wind. However when we woke up this morning  the condensation on the rainfly was probably the worst we’ve experienced.  Surprising since it was not so cold at first.  It was not possible to wait for the tent to dry as we were enveloped in a fog which did not start lifting untill we were ready to leave.

Once we dropped onto the other side of the ridges,  the sun came out and warmed our backs as we hiked towards Bear Spring to refill on water. While waiting for the water to filter at the spring we watched a lovely hummingbird getting a drink from the water puddles.  I was surprised by the fluttering sound of their wings. Such a big sound from such a small bird.  I was happy to have seen a hummingbird up close. From the spring we descended towards Bouquet Canyon Rd which we needed to  cross before starting another long ascent. Here we were treated by another kind stranger, another Trail Angel had left a water cache which also had mandarins and a few bottles of Gatorade. It was delicious to have a mandarin.  Bouquet Reservoir was a huge feature of the landscape down in the valley.

Hammer and I were getting really cheered by the sunshine, thinking maybe the cold weather is behind us. Sadly the sunshine did not last. Just as we were finishing lunch dark clouds rolled in. But despite the clouds,  the hiking was pleasant. The terrain was like a sandy pavement with great traction. Maybe my new four-wheel drive shoes helped.

The afternoon rolled by fairly quickly and before too long we were on the San Francisquito Canyon Road.   From here we deviated off the PCT to go and stay the night at another Trail Angels house, the Andersons at Casa de Luna.

By the time we hit the paved road the wind had whipped up and it was very cold. We thought a car would stop and offer us a ride for the 2 miles to the Andersons but we had no luck. But also we did not try. Just as well we walked as we got to see the quirky little town that is Green Valley. And the Andersons house is rather unique. Not as many people as there were at Hiker Heaven and really nice atmosphere.  We pitched a tent in the Manzanita forest in the backyard. It was lovely to chat to other hikers over dinner in the front yard. Just a shame it was so cold. We were back in the tent long before hiker midnight. Barking dogs of a suburban neighbourhood can be heard off in the background. So different to the silence of the mountaintop ridge.