Day 6 May 12, 2017

• Miles hiked 15
• Total miles 110
• Hours hiked 5:30 am to 11:00 am and 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Today was all about getting to Warner Springs, preferably before it got too hot.  I had shared a camping area with three other guys last night and all of us were up as the sun rose, so we got an early start.

The miles were pretty much all downhill to a water source called Barrell Springs.  It was really nice to be hiking in cool weather and enjoying the early morning sunshine.  The desert is a much nicer place to hike when it is cool.

Early morning light

I cast a long shadow

The hike into Warner Springs was down off the mountain and featured a huge change in ecology.  Gone were the chapperal covered hillsides and out of nowhere came grassy plains.

Grassy plains

About three miles out from WS is an iconic PCT feature called Eagle Rocks.  And yes, it did look like an eagle.  Being from the west coast of BC, I immediately searched around for an accompanying garbage dump because that is one of the main places that you find eagles at home.

Eagle rocks

Then it was a slow, hot hike into town.  The word town for Warner Springs might be a bit grandiose as it is pretty small.  But the local community association really embraces PCT hikers.  They have transformed their community hall into a hiking centre.  They have opened up a small store with lots of hiker type food, offer wifi (again pretty slow though) and let us pitch our tents in the field adjacent to the centre.  And all by donation.  Well done, WS Community Association.

Eight of us headed over to the local golf clubhouse for lunch/dinner in mid-afternoon. There were three Americans, an Aussie (different one than last nights campsite), a French guy, a New Zealander and of course a Canadian. This really is an international trail.  The other thing that I find interesting about my fellow hikers is how many university/college degree holders are out here.

I was going to stay in WS for the night but then at about 5:30, a cool breeze kicked up and the temperature dropped to a very pleasant 70 F.  So, within 5 minutes, I was packed up and headed out.  Made quick work of three miles and now I am camped beside a babbling creek for the first time this hike.

So, my trip distance is now 110 miles.  That is significant to me as my previous longest hike was the Tour du Mont Blanc at 108 miles. 

Home for the night (taken very early in the morning because I forgot last night)