Outdoor Adventures with Ancient Brit
PCT 2002 - Day 2 April 9th
Day 2: Tuesday 9th April Hauser Mountain – Cottonwood
Creek
A 7am start may sound early, but if I were better disciplined I would have started even
earlier. I quickly got into the routine of waking at first light, but usually had a leisurely
breakfast in bed before packing up and starting walking.
I stopped for a break by Hauser Creek, which was dried up, as were most streams in
Southern California, due to the severe drought (So far this year this area of California
hadn’t seen a drop of rain). Oak and Sycamore trees, beside the creek provided welcome
shade that was not available in the surrounding arid hills. I had decided that, in the early
stages of the hike, I would walk in long trousers and long sleeved shirt, to protect against
sunburn, Poison Oak and rattlesnakes, so that by the time I stopped I was already very
sweaty. I got into the habit of stripping off during longer stops as it allowed my clothes to
dry properly and was more comfortable in the hot conditions. Fortunately I tend to tan
slowly rather than burn and I expect to get an all-over tan by the end of the trip.
Stripping off right by the trail might seem very daring, but I had not seen anyone since
Campo and I didn’t expect to see anyone, except for other thru-hikers, outside the
National Parks. Starting the walk this early in April, I didn’t expect to see many thru-
hikers for a few weeks. The tent also needed drying following the heavy overnight dew.
A major hazard encountered in Southern California is Poison Oak. At this time I had
little idea what Poison Oak looked like, but I later discovered that it comes in a variety of
leaf patterns and sizes, making it difficult to identify. It tends to grow as underbrush to
other types of oak tree and there was a suspicious looking bush in the middle of the
clearing by the creek. The waxy coating on the leaves is extremely irritating and will
cause misery for at least a week after contact and, as there isn’t any treatment, the only
answer is to avoid contact.
As I was dropping down towards Morena Reservoir I met two teenagers riding up the
trail on mountain bikes. Bikes aren’t allowed on the PCT, as they tend to accelerate path
erosion. Cycling on the trail is risky because, if stopped by the Rangers, the riders could
be prosecuted and even have their bikes confiscated. For historical reasons the trail is
open to horses that cause even more erosion!
Unfortunately the trail didn’t pass close enough to the Morena Reservoir to detour for a
swim, but I rested at Morena Campground. Although I intended to camp at Cottonwood
Creek, I still had to fill up with water as I wasn’t sure that the creek would be flowing.
By now I had to treat a blister developing on my right heel. Blisters shouldn’t be a big
problem with modern boots and socks, as long as any “hot spots” are quickly treated.
Fortunately the severe pain I had had yesterday in my left ankle hadn’t developed again
today.
I pressed on to camp by Cottonwood Creek, which was just about flowing. Having
walked 17 miles during the day I was tired, but happy with progress and ready for dinner
and a good night’s sleep.
I was carrying a water filter at this stage of the walk as much of the water in the hills
is said to contaminated with Giardia, which gives similar symptoms to food poisoning, but
lasting for weeks rather than days. Later on, to save the weight of the filter, I sent the
filter home and just boiled the water or used Iodine tablets if I was suspicious about its
quality. In the past I haven’t used any precautions except boiling and I suspect it is the
equipment manufacturers who benefit most from the use of filters.
Day 2: 16.9 miles 7.01 hours Camp: Cottonwood Creek
Creek
A 7am start may sound early, but if I were better disciplined I would have started even
earlier. I quickly got into the routine of waking at first light, but usually had a leisurely
breakfast in bed before packing up and starting walking.
I stopped for a break by Hauser Creek, which was dried up, as were most streams in
Southern California, due to the severe drought (So far this year this area of California
hadn’t seen a drop of rain). Oak and Sycamore trees, beside the creek provided welcome
shade that was not available in the surrounding arid hills. I had decided that, in the early
stages of the hike, I would walk in long trousers and long sleeved shirt, to protect against
sunburn, Poison Oak and rattlesnakes, so that by the time I stopped I was already very
sweaty. I got into the habit of stripping off during longer stops as it allowed my clothes to
dry properly and was more comfortable in the hot conditions. Fortunately I tend to tan
slowly rather than burn and I expect to get an all-over tan by the end of the trip.
Stripping off right by the trail might seem very daring, but I had not seen anyone since
Campo and I didn’t expect to see anyone, except for other thru-hikers, outside the
National Parks. Starting the walk this early in April, I didn’t expect to see many thru-
hikers for a few weeks. The tent also needed drying following the heavy overnight dew.
A major hazard encountered in Southern California is Poison Oak. At this time I had
little idea what Poison Oak looked like, but I later discovered that it comes in a variety of
leaf patterns and sizes, making it difficult to identify. It tends to grow as underbrush to
other types of oak tree and there was a suspicious looking bush in the middle of the
clearing by the creek. The waxy coating on the leaves is extremely irritating and will
cause misery for at least a week after contact and, as there isn’t any treatment, the only
answer is to avoid contact.
As I was dropping down towards Morena Reservoir I met two teenagers riding up the
trail on mountain bikes. Bikes aren’t allowed on the PCT, as they tend to accelerate path
erosion. Cycling on the trail is risky because, if stopped by the Rangers, the riders could
be prosecuted and even have their bikes confiscated. For historical reasons the trail is
open to horses that cause even more erosion!
Unfortunately the trail didn’t pass close enough to the Morena Reservoir to detour for a
swim, but I rested at Morena Campground. Although I intended to camp at Cottonwood
Creek, I still had to fill up with water as I wasn’t sure that the creek would be flowing.
By now I had to treat a blister developing on my right heel. Blisters shouldn’t be a big
problem with modern boots and socks, as long as any “hot spots” are quickly treated.
Fortunately the severe pain I had had yesterday in my left ankle hadn’t developed again
today.
I pressed on to camp by Cottonwood Creek, which was just about flowing. Having
walked 17 miles during the day I was tired, but happy with progress and ready for dinner
and a good night’s sleep.
I was carrying a water filter at this stage of the walk as much of the water in the hills
is said to contaminated with Giardia, which gives similar symptoms to food poisoning, but
lasting for weeks rather than days. Later on, to save the weight of the filter, I sent the
filter home and just boiled the water or used Iodine tablets if I was suspicious about its
quality. In the past I haven’t used any precautions except boiling and I suspect it is the
equipment manufacturers who benefit most from the use of filters.
Day 2: 16.9 miles 7.01 hours Camp: Cottonwood Creek
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Morena Butte from
Hauser Mountain
Hauser Mountain
Cottonwood Valley