JackandBarb - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2011

And we were heavy. We were both carrying microspikes and ice axes for the snow at Fuller ridge. Jack's. base weight with the tent, the stove, and 3 pounds of electronics was 18 pounds. Add in 10 pounds of food and 2 liters of water (at 2.2 pounds per liter) and the kid was caring 32 and a half pounds.

Barb's base was 9 pounds. With 10 pounds of food and 2 liters of water she was up to 23 and a half. This would carry us through to our next resupply at Idyllwild.

Our friend, Jim, who drove us to the trail also took some video of us heading out.?? Watch the video here

We climbed almost 2500 feet yesterday and went off trail to get water at mile 120. You had to hike down to get to the water so add another 500 feet. We were whipped when we finally camped at a great spot at mile 121.

Today was easier (only 1950 vertical feet) . We got an early start, and made it to Mike's by lunchtime.

Mike Herrera and his caretaker Mario live out in the sticks, only a quarter mile off the pacific crest trail. Mike is a trail angel extraordinaire. When we arrived we were offered watermelon, chocolate cake, and of course, the precious water.

Mike is only there on weekends and we were lucky to meet him. In his house you'll see musical instruments everywhere.

Boo Boo said she played the flute 30 years ago, so out came a flute and the Boo knocked out a few notes. The kid left him a small bottle of fine tequila and off we went.

That afternoon we hiked from mile 127 to mile 140.

At mile 139 was the perfect water source. It was called the Guzzler and it was right on the trail. It is an underground cistern with a concrete base and top. At the top was a small hand pump .

We love you, Guzzler!

We found another great camp site at mile 140 and were fast asleep by 9 pm.