Wrightwood to Hiker Heaven

This was an interesting stretch. It started great with a ridge line walk and an ascent up Mt. Baden Powell. Then the trail descended into the worst section yet. We had detours around Poodle Dog Bush, a plant that causes Poison Oak like symptoms, as well as a 4 mile detour because of the endangered yellow legged mountain frog. There was lots of road walking and exposed switchbacks and the scenery was lots of burned desert brush. Overall, this was just a section to get through quickly. The good news is the end of this section - Saufley's Hiker Heaven. The Saufleys are trail angels in Agua Dulce that host just about every PCT thru hiker. They have a huge backyard with net tents and cots for 50, as well as every resource a hiker could want including a fleet of bicycles to get to town. A great way to end a less than great section.

The ridge near Mt. Baden Powell - note the clouds on the West side and the clear skies and rocky, desert soil on the East side. I'd heard about this phenomenon before but I'd never seen it play out this dramatically. 

The 1,500 year old Wally Waldron Tree. It's amazing that it's survived that long considering its placement directly on the ridge line. I'm sure has weathered some intense storms.

Beautiful ridge walk

Clouds on the West, clear on the East

Yet again, above the clouds.

Snow plant - this is a plant that doesn't photosynthesize because it grows in such shady areas. Rather, it leaches out nutrients from the forest humus. 

Snow plant close-up.

No, it's not marijuana. It's Poodle Dog Bush. This is a much feared plant that grows in burn areas. Many hikers, including me, detoured around this plant for miles of this section. We still had to dodge a bit of it though.

The 2009 Station Fire closed a section of the PCT and also destroyed a fire station. It was eerie to walk through since no one has cleaned up any of the debris. 

Cafeteria

Poodle Dog Bush flower

This is the Highway 14 underpass. It was specially made in the shape of the PCT emblem.

Saufley's Hiker Heaven!!!!

More Saufley's

Cutest pillow ever