22nd April 2015
Mileage 15
High Camp (94.5) to Warner Springs (109.5)
PCT Eagle Rock
I woke at 5am freezing cold. The wind that started to increase in strength overnight was still howling. My shivering body exited my tightly wrapped cocoon. I felt water on my sleeping bag. I’m sure it didn’t rain overnight. Very sure. It must have been the condensation.
There was so much moisture on my bag that it lost all it’s loft and the Goose Down started to form clumps and lost it’s ability to insulate me. Not that it was that cold. It was about 5 degrees Celsius and with the wind it felt marginally cooler.
Within minutes I packed my gear and set off hiking. It was just light enough to see without the use of my headlamp. As I had done all the climbing yesterday I had a nice gentle downhill trail most of the way to my next stop Warner Springs. I guess when I set off I was on a mission.
Firstly, I wanted to warm up. When that was achieved my mission was to make it to Warner Springs to eat some non-trail food. The promise of a hamburger kept me moving. I hit my first milestone of the trip, 100 miles. Hooray for me.
Several miles outside my destination I hit the Warner Springs meadows. I hiked through farmland with many cows. My first encounter involved stubborn cows not wanting to move. On the second occasion I ran at the cows shouting at them to Mooove. I inadvertently caused a stampede. Crashing branches. Dust everywhere. I hoped there were no hikers ahead of me.
Last rest stop before Warner Springs was Eagle Rock for the obligatory photo. My hunger started to force me to race into the local Resource Centre. A community based organisation that support hikers and in return the money raised helps the school and elderly people of the region. They do a sensational job, I am happy to support them in raising money. Oh, and the burgers rock!
I will be here long enough to rest and pick up a package at the post office. I’m advised that the package has been delayed. I could be here a couple of days! Might stay, might go. Not sure yet.
My second milestone. Today marks the longest distance I have ever covered in one hike. My previous was just over 100 miles! The third milestone was 15 miles by 12.30pm!
If you haven’t already then ‘Like’ my Facebook page.
Next : Day 7 – It’s called a Zero (109.5)
The Best information about the Pacific Crest Trail:
Complete Guide to the Pacific Crest Trail
Resupply Guide for the PCT
PCT Gear List
PCT Gear Review
Great shot of you on top of Eagle Rock! Did someone take this shot for you or did you take it by remote? … Did you use a remote at all on your hike?
No remote on the trail, I did use a self timer for some shots and others I used other hikers to take the photo.
Thanks so much for your blog. It’s so helpful. I cowboy camped at Warner Springs not far from Eagle Rock and woke up soaked with condensation too :(
Haha, it’s all part of the fun and a learning experience.
Loving the posts so far, Brad. The photos are great, too, especially the every day at 10 am meme. Looking forward to living vicariously through your hike. I’m hoping to get started next year. Good on ya, mate!
Thanks Mike.
Way to go Brad! I am impressed by the daily miles you are covering already. Beautiful photos again.
Thanks Sally
Guess it’s time to break out the tent! I think it must be really beautiful sleeping under the stars, with no city lights, though. 100 miles – woo hooo!!!! exciting!
I’ve slept under the stars for a couple of nights, awesome.
Great stuff. Enjoying your posts!
Thanks, glad you are enjoying them