There is no journey apart from others. The PCT is not a limited access highway. Nor is it policed by some kind of toll authority. It is a pathway from the Mexican border to the Canadian border, passing mostly through remote wilderness areas, but it also crosses hundreds of roads. Anyone can drive to a trail crossing, exit their car and hike this trail. Today it felt like everyone did. And their dogs.
It’s Saturday, so why wouldn’t you want to get outdoors?
Let’s Get Started
The trail goes up from behind the visitor information center at Carson Pass.
The first chore is to collect water at Frog Lake. A man is there throwing a stick in the Lake for his dog to retrieve. Then it’s on to the Elephants Back.
As I come closer, the elephant remains silent, eyes closed.
There is a red-leafed plant makes the ground sizzle in the morning light.
These purple flowers are giving the red leaves a run for the money.
Western
There is a special quality to the western landscape. It doesn’t look like anything else in the US. What is that intangible quality?
It rained on me for the first time this trip. I don’t mind the rain. But being wet can make you cold and I am cold laying here in my tent under my quilt with damp underwear and stone cold feet. I am going to show you my favorite photos of the day. You will notice the dramatic effects as the clouds gather.
Ending
At the end of the day I set up my soggy tent and eat cold ramen inside it wearing my wet clothes hoping my body heat will dry them out. I doesn’t work. So I just stripped down, put on a wool shirt and dive under my quilt.
I’m tired now so I am going to sleep. I should warm up in a few hours. The forecast for the next four days is rain. I hope it doesn’t rain all the time.
August 23, 2025
Miles hiked today: 16.5
“There is a special quality to the western landscape. It doesn’t look like anything else in the US. What is that intangible quality?”
Magic. It’s magic.