Desert Divide?

[Hikin_Jim]

Well, now they've changed the forecast to "increasing clouds". We'll see.

Off I go,

HJ

[HH8]

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

YOU THE MAN HAL!
thanks (panting, tongue hanging)

[HH8]

There's a trail crew up there working the section of the PCT north of the Apple Canyon Saddle. They are staying at Apache Spring. I talked to one of the women on the crew and she said there's water there in the spring box but it's kind of murky. No matter. You can bypass it anyway.

Note at Apache said trail crew had fixed water, but we did not make time to check it.


Hal-lelujah! there was water hidden by Hal

[HH8]

I did see a rattlesnake

Jim went up to the next switchback and sent a snake down to visit us, but it was not a rattler

[GDavis]

Going to run from south ridge trailhead to Forbes tomorrow AM, can't wait! Always wanted to check out this part of the trail.

[Hikin_Jim]

Well, I survived. Boy, am I tired. Those peaks along the Desert Divide are WAY harder than anything in the San Jacinto high country (that I've done) or San Gorgonio Wilderness.

I wound up skipping Cone and Palm View peaks due to lack of time. I could have done Red Tahquitz, but I had already done Red Tahquitz twice before, and everyone wanted to get going, so we skipped Red Tahquitz.

Final tally: Nine Peaks, multiple blisters, and about 40 miles.

I haven't had time to do a write up yet, but here are some photos:
Day 1: Hwy 74 to PCT mile 160. Peaks: Butterfly & Ken Pt.
Day 2: PCT mile 160 to Fobes Ranch. Peaks: Lion, Pine, & Pyramid.
Day 3: Fobes Ranch to PCT mile 175. Peaks: Spitler, Apache, Antsell Rock, & Southwell (marked as just "South" on most maps)
Day 4: PCT mile 175 to Humber Park. Peaks: None.

Antsell Rock is one of the toughest peaks I've ever done. I can't think of anything that comes close. Not Big Iron. Not Skyline. The approach from the north to Antsell Rock is more obstacle course than hiking. Sure is photogenic though.





HJ

[drndr]

Nice pics HJ. But what kind of HJ TR is this without some links to maps. I love your detailed maps.

[arocknoid]

Outstanding, sir!

Looking forward to your TR, after you've had time for R n' R.

Your timing was terrific for weather; no doubt you cast an isohexane spell on the Red Gods.

Betchur hikin' buddies ate well.

Sure feels good to be home again, though, yes?

kind regards,
arocknoid

BTW Dan, HJ did post some maps/links of his route and H2O fillsites from his blog:

http://hikinjim.blogspot.com/p/desert-divide-dozen.html

HJ's route

HJ's waterstops

[Hikin_Jim]

Nice pics HJ. But what kind of HJ TR is this without some links to maps. I love your detailed maps.

Patience! Patience! That's not my TR; just some photos. I'll do a full write up when I get time. My wife returns June 6, and there's heck to pay if I don't get the backpacks and sleeping bags (etc.) out of the living room. Oh, and I need to find a job to since my last contract ended April 30th. I've been very irresponsible and doing a lot of hiking. No job and no family obligations? What's a poor boy to do?

HJ

[Perry]

You've inspired me to do this someday...