Day 4 - The Day from Hell
Day 4
April 19
Depart Mile 55.9
Arrive Scissors Crossing
During the night the wind picked up and was blowing extremely strongly in the morning. Due to the conditions we made the decision not to have breakfast but to head out as early as possible and we were on our way by shortly after 6 AM. The wind was howling and reaching gusts of 100 km/h and the conditions were horrendous. We were continually blown off the trail and it was extremely difficult to keep your balance. The footing was also very tough as we were walking on screen which tends to cause blisters and both Tina and I suffered. After 3 1/2 hours of continual buffeting the skies started to clear and we walked to the bottom of a gully where I took of my rain pants as it looked to be clearing. No sooner had I done so that is started to rain. This rain combined with the wind made for very cold conditions but I have always preferred to hike in shorts and did not bother to put on the rain pants again.
In the early afternoon the weather started to clear the sun came out and the wind started to drop and we were back to walking in familiar weather conditions more suited to the previous few days. Eventually we found a spot that was shaded and took the opportunity to finally eat and settled down to peanut butter on tortilla wraps.
The one thing about hiking in the desert with the heat is to ensure you are stocking up with calories. Our snacks include trail mix consisting of several varieties of M & M’s, Banana chips and raisins. We also have included two Larra bars.
The afternoon was long hot and dusty and the last 2 to 3 miles was through the desert as we closed in on Scissors Crossing.
About 1 mile from the end of the trail we met a Trail Angel who introduced himself as Ghost. This fine gentleman asked if we were going to Julian and kindly offered to drive us which we gladly accepted. Trail angels are remarkable people who provide so much help and assistance along the way and often at no cost. They are the lifeblood of the PCT because without them it would be very difficult struggle. Julian is about 12 miles from the trailhead and located up in the hills. The community is only about 3 square blocks and consists of 2 hotels several restaurants and convenient stores and not much else. Tonight we’re very fortunate in snagging the last 2 rooms in the Julian hotel and after cleaning up we went out for dinner to the Julian Grill where we each enjoyed a terrific salmon dinner. All in all a much better end to the day than we thought possible.
Weather more akin to the Arctic than the desert
Incredible cloud shape that was disappearing but I managed to squeeze it in
The cactus are just coming into bloom.
A Rock Toad that Tina disturbed!
A hot dusty trail with Tina waiting to go!
Juniper bush in full bloom.
