Jack5455 - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2009

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Mountain plants play with desert plants

Into the San Jacintos

The wind howled last night - no that was not me. It was howling in the morning with low overcast, almost fog. For the first half of the day, I was still in or very close to the Anza Borrego (sp?) State Park. There was a long steady climb with views toward Anza with houses dotted here and there.

I dropped over a saddle and down to the Pines to Palms Highway and one mile to the Paradise Cafe. I did not need water so I fought the urge for the Jose burger even though I have been obsessing about it for days.

Almost immediately north of the highway, pine trees started to play with the desert plants and the granite boulder formations were, well not orgasmic, but very nice. The trail dropped down into Penrod Canyon so I looked at the guide book. Hmmmm? Camp early without water? Camp late with water? There was a 1000 feet of gain in 3 to 4 miles to get water. Click on the latitude/longitude link to see my decision. Hint: Penrod Canyon has great tree shade and dynamiet boulder formations.

Entry 20 of 86
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