Devil's Slide/PCT 5/5

[Sally]

This morning at 7:00 I started up the Devil's Slide trail from Humber Park with no expectations of where I'd wind up. The first mile was snow free, but eventually there were some icy patches on the steep slope and I used my Micro Spikes for a while. The streams that cross the trail were flowing well, and one of them had overflown the streambed and was running down the trail making things a bit muddy.

When I got to Saddle Junction I met a PCT hiker. There was a lot of icy snow, so we both donned the ol' Micro Spikes only to remove them again after we were about 5 minutes up the PCT. After about 1/2 mile I parted with the PCT guy for a nutrition break. Then the going was easy, mostly dirt until I got to the east side of the hill.

At this point the ground was pretty much covered with drifted snow. At times I thought I'd lost the trail, but every once and a while it would pop up. Then I went a long way with no trail and some barely decernable footprints. I knew which direction I wanted to go to maybe make it to San J peak, but I got the heebie jeebies about maybe not being able to find my way back. So, being the chicken that I am, I stopped and turned around.

When I got to my beloved familiar feature (that triangular pyramid shaped rock right next to the trail about 1/2 mile before the PCT splits off at Wellman's Cienega) I sat down for lunch. Another PCT hiker happened by and I shared my duct tape with him and showed him how to strap on his crampons! Heavens, I hope he makes it!

After starting back down I ran into 3 more PCT hikers heading up. When I got back to Saddle Junction I ran into 3 more PCT hikers heading down to Idyllwild, and they accompanied me back to my car. I then gave them a hitch into town. In all I ran into 8 PCT hikers. A very nice bunch of guys - I hope they don't run into trouble at Fuller Ridge!

All in all it was a great day. Now if I can only get these PCT ideas out of my head!

[Vnthali]

Sally it sounds like you had a great time. This is another trail I want to try sometime - maybe in the summer. I went looking for the micro-spikes after seeing how well they performed for you on our hike. Definitely a peice of gear I intend to add to my collection.

[classvtony]

" I shared my duct tape with him and showed him how to strap on his crampons!"
OY!
Way to garner that karma!

[Sally]

Hi Tyrus! You still planning on doing Vivian soon? Those micro-spikes could come in handy!

Hi Tony! Hey, just doin' my part! And I can always use a little good karma!

[tinaballina]

Nice Sally.

[lilbitmo]

After starting back down I ran into 3 more PCT hikers heading up. When I got back to Saddle Junction I ran into 3 more PCT hikers heading down to Idyllwild, and they accompanied me back to my car. I then gave them a hitch into town. In all I ran into 8 PCT hikers. A very nice bunch of guys - I hope they don't run into trouble at Fuller Ridge!

The PCT'ers like to call people who help them out on the trial - "Trail Angels" - so you can now be called "Sally the Trail Angel" Nice work

[skunkboy]

Sally wrote:

All in all it was a great day. Now if I can only get these PCT ideas out of my head!

Don't listen to them Sally! They're singing their siren songs! Pretty soon you'll start thinking... "Gee, I wonder if I can get six months off work?

Skunk

[Sally]

Thank you, Tina.

Lilbitmo, it's hard for me to think of myself as an "angel," but if you say so...

Skunk, get me some earplugs fast! In the year 2000 I was self-employed and came close to actually attempting the PCT, but my plans never materialized. As a consolation prize, I through-hiked the JMT instead with my sister. Just last week sis and I were talking about doing the PCT in 100 mile chunks each year. I wonder how old I'd be when we finish!

[Vnthali]

I faxed my permit request fo the 17th a couple of days ago. If all goes well, we'll be stepping off from the trailhead parking lot at 4:30AM.

[Lcpl Hughes]

Very Nice Sally


I was thinking of making this same trip tomorrow to the peak to venge my turnback on the devils slide about 2 months ago