PCT Day 15: Ziggy & Bear, White Water Preserve

Daily Miles: 23.6, Total Miles: 218.6

A long descent with countless switchbacks, little shade and another snake got me to the drinking fountain near the mouth of Snow Canyon.

On the way, I had problems with an eye, first thinking allergies and then sure it was a scratched eyeball. Flushed the sand out of my eyes at the water fountain and this seemed to help.

I continued to the bottom of the valley, the lowest on the PCT until reaching the Columbia Gorge. I reached the I-10 underpass where I and other hikers enjoyed trail angel provided beverages.

Only a mile further on this hot day got us to the home of generous trail angels, Bear and Ziggy. Signed in as number 205 on their register, Ziggy says almost double the hikers from last year. Plenty of shade, cold water and the special treat of a soothing foot bath!

Hard to leave this oasis, I broke away in late afternoon and missed the traditional salad and ice cream in the evening.

Instead, I hiked into the evening with my headlamp reaching the San Gorgonio Wilderness and Whitewater Preserve, 0.5 miles off the PCT. I’m camping at a pond near the ranger station, the latest into the sleeping bag at 11pm.