Day 23
Start: Deep Creek Bridge
Finish: Mojave River Forks Dam
Daily Mileage: 15.3
PCT Mile: 313.8
Though the night started out warm, we woke to below freezing temperatures, as evidenced by frost on the ground and frozen condensation on the metal bridge. I always keep my water filter protected since freezing once could compromise it, so no big deal, but surprising how much the temperature dropped from the hot day.
Today we were hiking down Deep Creek Canyon for almost the entire day. The trail wandered higher and lower at times, but was generally about mid way up the canyon wall on trail that there had to be significant blasting to cut out in places.
The canyon was deeper and more severe than others yet on this trip, and the creek often roared with rapids through shear canyon walls.
The day warmed up quickly as always. We tried to make as much progress as we could before it got too warm, since we had an objective. There were many side streams that helped us keep our water loads light.
There were tons of flowers blooming, and the desert was fragrant once again. It has been a few days since there has been this type of show with us being too high in the mountains. It was nice to be back at the right elevation for it.
Around 11, we arrived at Deep Creek Hot Springs. This is quite the popular spot on the trail, and there were some day hikers and other backpackers who had just hiked out for the hot springs.
There were a number of different pools built, and many places where hot water was coming out of the ground. The biggest pools were mortared stone, so someone put some time into the area. The pool that most of us went to was a very consistent bath water temperature, so it was easy to hang out for a while. There were others that were warmer.
However, the one thing preventing full relaxation, other than the air temperature, was the pesky squirrels. They knew that backpacks meant food, and there were many reports of them quickly chewing holes in packs to make off with food. We kept our packs right next to the pool, but the squirrels would still come right up to them fearlessly. We had to keep a constant watch on them and get out of the pool to chase them away. That made it quite hard to enjoy the experience. That’s why you don’t feed the animals, people.
After I had had enough of the squirrels, I got out and finished drying my gear. It was a good opportunity to bake stuff that had gotten wet previously, so I got everything dry during the break. After a healthy relaxation and lunch break, we headed on.
The day had continued to heat up, and the sun was blazing down on us within the confines of the canyon which can amplify heat. It was all we could do to continue trudging down the trail and take whatever breaks we could in the spare shade available. However, walking is walking, and as long as you keep making forward progress you will get somewhere.
We had crossed Deep Creek twice already upstream, but on bridges. Now we had to ford it to cross a final time. Some reports from earlier in the season said that it was over people’s heads and impossible to cross, but I was able to cross it dry pants less with the water only coming mid thigh.
We had intended to hike on a few more miles, but heading up the Mojave River, we came to a camp spot next to clear water, in the shade, and with a breeze, and decided to cut our day a little short. We could still make it to our goals in the days ahead, and this kept us from climbing up in the heat of the day rather than tomorrow morning.
Quite the serenade by the frogs tonight.
Today was a stunningly beautiful day along Deep Creek Canyon between the ruggedness of the canyon and abundant life within it. The hot springs were a cool visit that we enjoyed despite the heat of the day that later left us flagging, but we finished strong.
