JenEric - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2010

Slippery Trail Dance and Bear Serenade

After a good warm night's sleep we were feeling pretty rested. And as it was raining when we awoke, we kept on sleeping. It was raining so steadily all night that a big puddle was forming outside Lion Heart's door, soaking her pack. The rain was light enough however that Gino was able to get out and dig a trench to drain the puddle in the nude.

It continued raining until around 9am. We finally decided it was time to get on the trail, but didn't get out of camp until 10:20.

Had just started heading down the trail when we came upon a few deer in a meadow with a few trees below. Just after spotting the deer, we spotted a sizable black bear. We were perched above them and had a great view. Upon the deer noticing us, they began to trot away, heading directly for the bear which they could not see because of the trees. We pulled out the camera and had the video ready to go but no drama ensued. As soon as the deer sensed the bear they promptly changed directions and picked up their pace. The bear made no movement towards them and didn't seem desperate for a meal.

Just a few tenth of a mile down the trail, Lion Heart was saying to Gino that we probably should be making some noise as we hike along in an attempt to not startle any more wild and dangerous animals. As if on cue, there just to the edge of the trail ahead of us was another black bear, this one smaller and probably the same one wen saw the other day. He was just sitting there but once Lion Heart raised her voice to announce our presence, the bear bolted and headed off through the woods. We made up some bear related songs as we hiked the next mile, singing out to announce ourselves.

Not long after seeing the bears, we had to ascend out of Wenachte Pass up probably the worst trail ever. The rain forest soils, leached of all their nutrients, turn to the most slippery substance you've ever seen. You take 2 steps forward and 1 back. This makes for slow progress and much frustration., especially when you are trying to keep your feet dry.

Hiked nonstop to Janus Lake. got there about 3pm. Tent setup was quick and the rain didn't end up dropping on us until after 5pm. Lion Heart's feet felt better today but when she took off her shoes the raw spot on the ball of her right foot was bloody and despite the band aide had bled into the sock.

Gino almost got thinking it wouldn't rain, so he started a small but brief campfire.

Entry 23 of 23
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