PCT Day 93: Marble Mountain Wilderness

Daily Miles: 23.6, Total Miles: 1630.1

I enjoyed the Rancher’s Special at Bob’s Ranch House – three eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes and a bowl of fruit. Back to the motel to pack up and had a banana, cherry pie and a chocolate milk to wash it down. I waddled out to Main Street to hitch back to Etna Summit. A tough one because of very little traffic but got a ride from a nice, older gentleman I had chatted with while he was cleaning up a store.

I met several hikers at the TH and leapfrogged with a few during the day. The trail quickly entered the Marble Mountain Wilderness.

Today was a really nice hike generally high on the crests and ridges of several canyons. Best variety of wildflowers I’ve seen for several days especially around Fisher and Marten Lake.

I later found another creek trashed by grazing cattle and heard the cowbells clanging in the meadow above the creek.

Very hazy day I suspect from wildfires sparked by recent lightning strikes.

I finally dropped down to Little Marble Valley which has impressive marble outcrops. Camped at the Marble Valley Guard Station with Prophet, Cleats, Side Project and Clair, a weekend hiker. Clair told us that cattle are specifically permitted in Wilderness Areas as part of the Wilderness Act – probably the only way the bill got through Congress.

Over three months on the trail!