Nice early start to the day. After putting in 19 miles the day before, I only planned on putting in about “10 easy miles” to the start of Mission Creek. Wow was I wrong. By far the hardest day on the trail. Constant elevation gain (4500 feet), exposed terrain, softball size rocks you are forced to walk on, and continuing to get lost for the 1st several miles. It was a brutal day (but at least you always had easy water access from Mission Creek).
About 5 exhausted hikers had all picked the same spot to crash.
Although constant uphill, it was at least moderately graded and was climbable with sustained effort.
I think these are flowers. I was too tired to notice.
Eventually the source of Mission Creek showed up near the horse corral area. The water was cold and clean.
The occasional tiny water trickle would show up, and thankfully the rock climbing and getting lost stopped after a few miles into the day.
Eventually about 10 exhausted hikers all camped at the Mission Creek Camp. Many nice camp spots and the water was close
It was a hard but necessary 10 miles, and thankfully the hardest elevation gain was now behind us. For tomorrow, Coon Cabin, some continued elevation gain (maybe 2000 to 2500 feet) and a 16 mile water carry would be required. Slept ok, ate well, and felt pretty good overall.
Tom hikes the PCT 