Outdoor Adventures with Ancient Brit
PCT 2002 - June 1st
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Day 46: Saturday 1st June
Spanish Needle Creek - E. slopes, Peak 8226
The sky was clear at first light and the temperature was still 68ºF, so another
scorching day could be anticipated. I managed the 1500ft climb back to the ridge in the
shade of the western slopes of the steep mountain. Two years ago it had taken me 7 days
to get from Walker Pass to Kennedy Meadows. Now I am doing it in 3 days showing me
how much fitter I am had become.
While resting, Scott, the third “Trail Angel” from the San Gabriel Mountains, came
jogging down the path. He had started out from Walker Pass at midnight and run
through the night with the intention of doing the 36 miles from Walker Pass to the
Canebrake Campground before it became too hot.
I arrived at the Canebrake Campground by lunchtime. There were notices posted
saying that the water was unfit to drink as it didn’t meet the US standards because it
contained too much uranium, because of contamination from the old mine workings.
However a little uranium is safer than dehydration so hikers have to drink it anyway.
Two years ago there was a standpipe, under which I was able to take a shower in the
deserted campground, but now it was disconnected and I had to make do with a wash
under the tap. I also washed most of my clothing.
I set out up the hill in late afternoon, as the temperature started to drop. The lower
slopes were wooded and in shade and it took me 90 minutes to reach Fox Mill Spring,
where I picked up water for the long dry haul to the Kern River. I camped an hour later.
Day 46: 15.8 miles 7.32 hours Camp: E. slopes, Peak 8226
Spanish Needle Creek - E. slopes, Peak 8226
The sky was clear at first light and the temperature was still 68ºF, so another
scorching day could be anticipated. I managed the 1500ft climb back to the ridge in the
shade of the western slopes of the steep mountain. Two years ago it had taken me 7 days
to get from Walker Pass to Kennedy Meadows. Now I am doing it in 3 days showing me
how much fitter I am had become.
While resting, Scott, the third “Trail Angel” from the San Gabriel Mountains, came
jogging down the path. He had started out from Walker Pass at midnight and run
through the night with the intention of doing the 36 miles from Walker Pass to the
Canebrake Campground before it became too hot.
I arrived at the Canebrake Campground by lunchtime. There were notices posted
saying that the water was unfit to drink as it didn’t meet the US standards because it
contained too much uranium, because of contamination from the old mine workings.
However a little uranium is safer than dehydration so hikers have to drink it anyway.
Two years ago there was a standpipe, under which I was able to take a shower in the
deserted campground, but now it was disconnected and I had to make do with a wash
under the tap. I also washed most of my clothing.
I set out up the hill in late afternoon, as the temperature started to drop. The lower
slopes were wooded and in shade and it took me 90 minutes to reach Fox Mill Spring,
where I picked up water for the long dry haul to the Kern River. I camped an hour later.
Day 46: 15.8 miles 7.32 hours Camp: E. slopes, Peak 8226
Lamont Peak
Arrowleaf Balsam Root
Shower at Canebrake
Campground
Campground
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