Backpacking the PCT Part 2

Experiencing something truly epic: Deep Creek Hot Springs

The sun had moved to a gentle angle approaching five p.m. when Caleb and I donned backpacks that had been resting under the sagebrush while he took my dog Koa home after an ill-advised attempt to bring the Pomeranian on our hike.

We then resumed our journey through the San Bernardino Mountains to join the Pacific Crest Trail and eventually camp overnight on Deep Creek without much daylight to spare; but with the worry about Koa gone, I felt feisty and ready to tackle whatever came next. Another benefit of the extended break was that the temperature had lowered significantly. The air was fresh and sweet, scented with sage and desert flowers.

Caleb had chosen a different route than "the usual trail" that he thought had fewer "changes in elevation" (translation: fewer hills and dales across the high desert hills.) We thus progressed along a rugged ATV track toward the junction with the PCT.

The views from the crests reminded me of being on a sandy ocean of billowing gold waves under a sky…