Day 21 – Wednesday, June 14

PCT mile 383.9 Little Jimmy Campground to PCT Mile 406.6 Sulfur Springs Trail Camp

Day Total: 19.1 PCT miles (Plus 5 ± detour miles)

We started the morning off much like yesterday afternoon, with a steep downhill for a few miles, down to California Highway 2.

After crossing the road, we gained all that elevation right back with a steep climb up Mt. Williamson. The miles felt slow because of the challenging terrain on both the ups and downs. 

We crossed Highway 2 again about six miles into the day, where we had to take a detour around a three-mile section of the PCT that is closed to protect the habitat of the endangered mountain yellow-legged frog. This closure has been in place for at least five years, so we knew it was coming. 

The detour entailed about two miles on the road, where there was thankfully very little traffic, and then through a campground where we got water and ate a snack. Then we had a mile-and-a-half down another trail back to the PCT. It wasn't a bad walk, the side trail was pleasant, and it only added about a mile to our day. 

It was getting hot by the time we were back on the PCT, but there was enough of a breeze that it was tolerable.

We hiked up through an area with lots of big old pine trees, but remarkably little shade.

Shortly after passing the 400 mile mark, we stopped for food and water at Camp Glenwood, a random facility off of Highway 2 that allows hikers to use their spigot. The water was hot, but at least it was wet.

We met a few hikers we hadn't seen before and ended up staying there for a while, waiting for cooler temperatures to keep hiking. We hiked six more miles, mostly down to a camping area called Sulfur Springs and called it a night.

Tough hiking today, but we're making good progress. 

Still no trail names for us. Hopefully soon, or we might end up naming each other!