Mojave River Campground to Highway 138 Overpass (Staying at Mojave River Campground)
It is pretty nice to wake up on an air mattress that is raised above the ground instead of on an air mattress on the ground. I awoke at the typical 7:00 AM and walked to the bathroom. Yet another plus of the day instead of having to dig a hole.
Brad decided it was a sleep-in kind of morning and didn't rise until I let him know it was almost 8:00 AM. Even still, we left Tim and the campsite just after 9:30 AM.
Brad decided it was a sleep-in kind of morning and didn't rise until I let him know it was almost 8:00 AM. Even still, we left Tim and the campsite just after 9:30 AM.
Starting out the day.
No...Tim didn't join us...but of course he can be in the picture. We will actually see him later when he picks us up at the end of the day and brings us back to this campground for one more night.
First thing is first today. We have to make it back to the PCT. After yesterday's fiasco of hiking to the campground, I didn't feel very good about it.
We could see the PCT clearly on the side of the mountain, so we know which way to go. However, everything that seemed like a trail to lead us to the PCT wound up being a washout or just an area without plant growth. So, as we did the day before, we bushwhacked our way back up to the PCT.
First thing is first today. We have to make it back to the PCT. After yesterday's fiasco of hiking to the campground, I didn't feel very good about it.
We could see the PCT clearly on the side of the mountain, so we know which way to go. However, everything that seemed like a trail to lead us to the PCT wound up being a washout or just an area without plant growth. So, as we did the day before, we bushwhacked our way back up to the PCT.
The bushwhacked area.
Finally, after 45 minutes we made it to the "3/4 mile" sign back on the PCT. The sign was also kind enough to point out that Highway 138 was only 12 miles away. This is where Tim is going to pick us up today. So...let's get going.
Informative sign.
Today's hike is going to be beautiful. The weather is perfect, the wild flowers are in full bloom, and there will be great views of Silverwood Lake.
PCT sign of the day
Nature pictures prevailed today starting with a fuzzy picture of a horny toad.
Fuzzy horny toad.
Wildflowers taking over the trail
Beautiful red flowers on the PCT
Brad taking a photo of a butterfly
As we were hiking there were two hang gliders hanging out above us. It was pretty cool watching them fly around and climb to higher elevations. These guys were skilled.
One of the hang gliders hanging around.
It was hard to find a place to stop for lunch since we were hiking along a narrow trail all morning. Finally, we came down to a dam and took a break on a rarely used bridge. Those that followed my blog 2 years ago when I hiked the PCT will remember this area as the place were we had a coyote sighting. Believe me...I kept my eyes open, but no coyotes this time.
Enjoying PB&J on bagel.
After lunch we climber over to the other side of the hilltop and arrived at this awesome site of Silverwood Lake.
PCT sign of the day take 2.
What a beautiful lake with hills all around it. Brad thought the PCT came way out of the way so we can hike around this lake. If this is the case, it was definitely worth the extra miles.
Lake view.
Another incredible view.
Self-portrait "Silverwood Lake"
After passing the lake, the trail was lined with this tall grasslike plant. They were taller than me...ok...that might not be too tall, but it felt like it.
"Tall" grass taking over.
Just before meeting Tim, there was a southbound hiker that greeted us. Just as we were past him he turned back and asked if we hiked around the Lake fire. Why yes...I did. We then compared notes and he brought out maps for e to explain the whole route. He laughed and said that he had passed like 10 hikers today and didn't bother asking them if they had hiked around. When he saw us he thought we looked like we would have. Weird. I bet that none of the other hikers did since most everyone is taking a shuttle.
We said our goodbyes and met Tim 15 minutes late. Then, driving back to the campground, we saw Wildcard on the part of the trail that follows a bit of road. We stopped and talked to here a bit and fed her a couple of bananas. She planned on stopping close to where we stopped today, so we should see her tomorrow.
We arrived back to the campground and then decided to drive to town for pizza instead of eating our backpacker meals.
So now I lay here on the queen-size air mattress full of pizza and, oh yeah, I ordered some lasagna as well, feeling sleepy. Tomorrow we make our way to Cajon Pass (I-15) where we stay at a Best Western for the night. Until tomorrow...
We said our goodbyes and met Tim 15 minutes late. Then, driving back to the campground, we saw Wildcard on the part of the trail that follows a bit of road. We stopped and talked to here a bit and fed her a couple of bananas. She planned on stopping close to where we stopped today, so we should see her tomorrow.
We arrived back to the campground and then decided to drive to town for pizza instead of eating our backpacker meals.
So now I lay here on the queen-size air mattress full of pizza and, oh yeah, I ordered some lasagna as well, feeling sleepy. Tomorrow we make our way to Cajon Pass (I-15) where we stay at a Best Western for the night. Until tomorrow...
My bed for the night.
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