Desert Divide?

[halhiker]

I don't know if it's quite 17 miles that first day but it's fairly easy terrain. I'd seriously consider it. Live Oak Spring is well off the trail and hiking down to it and back up would not be worth just carrying the extra water. Can't really say much about Butterfly since I've never done it from that direction but all the other peaks are right off the trail. And if you don't bring 10 stoves to test, you should be able to do it even with full packs.

To stay at Fobes would make for a very short day. Cone Peak is a little involved but Palm View is nothing and doesn't really have a view. Spitler and Apache are right off the trail. Getting water up the Apple Canyon Divide would be easy. I figure a gallon or so each and I'd go through the Zen Center.

I'll talk to my father-in-law today and see if parking works. He might even shuttle you to the trail in his truck.

Hal

[Hikin_Jim]

That would be very cool if your father-in-law would let us park a car at or near his place. It would help me feel a little better about having an intact car when we're done.

We planned to "water up" at Tunnel Spring. Live Oak is on my map as an alternate, but I hadn't planned to go there.

Cedar Spring looks like it's less than 400' elevation loss, which is really nice.

We were going to camp on night one half way between Fobes Ranch and the PCT trail head. We'd carry water from Tunnel Spring.

Night two we'd camp upstream from Fobes Ranch. Water would be at camp.

Night three we'd camp in Tahquitz Valley. Water would be near camp.


I like the idea of Cedar Spring though, especially if it's a decent camp site. The campsite near Lion Peak is described as "small." Dunno if three guys can cram in there. If you see someone sleeping on the trail, that would be me.

Probably we'll just play it by ear. I know I can do a 17 mile day with a light pack and an early start. Just not sure if my 2 compatriots are up for it. If we make it to Cedar, great. If we have to stop short, then so be it. We will have to carry about 5L or 6L each from Tunnel Spring. Ugh.

A gallon or three at Apple Can. Sdl would be super even if we don't get that far on day 2. That's asking a lot on my part. Is it a huge hassle for you?

HJ

[bluerail]

A three gallon haul up zen center is worth many beers.

[halhiker]

Not a hassle. I need the exercise.

[halhiker]

My father-in-law says you can park at his place. No problem. His is the red cabin right cross from the Paradise Corner Cafe. His name is Jerry.

I'm going to hike up and leave water at the Apple Canyon Saddle on Wednesday. I confirm once it's there.

Let me know when you plan to get to the house so I can let my father in law what to expect.

Hal

[apage]

Jim,
I spent three days hiking around the area last week and the found several water sources including Tahquitz Creek and the pipe spring flowing. One of the springs on Devils Slide was flowing too. Good Luck.

[Andy]

And if you don't bring 10 stoves to test, you should be able to do it even with full packs.

I'm surprised Jim doesn't need a fuel drop as well.

Honestly Hal, that's darn generous of you. Secure parking AND water service... You're a good guy to know.

[Hikin_Jim]

A three gallon haul up zen center is worth many beers.

What's the beer to a gallon exchange rate these days?

Yes, I'll be heavily in Hal's debt.

HJ

[Hikin_Jim]

My father-in-law says you can park at his place. No problem. His is the red cabin right cross from the Paradise Corner Cafe. His name is Jerry.

Sounds great. We'll get there fairly early, probably between 7:00 and 8:00. I'll firm up the precise details with the other two guys, but I want to arrive closer to 7:00 (which means leaving here at 5:00) so there's the possibility of making Cedar Spring.

I'm going to hike up and leave water at the Apple Canyon Saddle on Wednesday. I confirm once it's there.

Wow! Totally cool. Thank you so much.

HJ

[halhiker]

My father-in-law says you can park at his place. No problem. His is the red cabin right cross from the Paradise Corner Cafe. His name is Jerry.

Sounds great. We'll get there fairly early, probably between 7:00 and 8:00. I'll firm up the precise details with the other two guys, but I want to arrive closer to 7:00 (which means leaving here at 5:00) so there's the possibility of making Cedar Spring.

I'm going to hike up and leave water at the Apple Canyon Saddle on Wednesday. I confirm once it's there.

Wow! Totally cool. Thank you so much.

HJ

Is that AM or PM? If it's PM, he'll probably be asleep. He's 85 and hits the hay early. If it's AM, he'll be up. I'm stopping by Wednesday on my way back from the water drop so I'll remind him you're coming.