Was that trail magic that just happened?

Two weekends ago, Aaron and I went on a short backpacking trip on the PCT. Are you surprised? Didn't think so. We decided to hike another part of section A of the PCT (about 32 miles), this time from Scissors Crossing north to Warner Springs. To do a lot of these backpacking and hiking trips on the PCT we have been using two cars and parking one car at each end of our hike. For this section of the PCT, we had some difficulty finding what looked like a safe place to park at Scissors Crossing, so we called the local Sheriffs department for advice. The lady who answered the phone did much better than give us advice on where to park, she left a message with the local deputy to give us a call back. The deputy called us back and let us know that there weren't any great places to park near Scissors Crossing, especially overnight, and that he would like to volunteer to give us a ride from Warner Springs (where we parked our car) to the beginning of our hike at Scissors Crossing. How wonderful! After I got off the phone with the deputy confirming our ride to Scissors Crossing, Aaron and I couldn't help but smile real big and wonder out loud if this qualified as trail magic. I'd like to think so!

I've always heard about "trail magic" and "trail angels" (kind things done for thru-hikers to brighten and ease their day such as: maintaining water caches, rides to town and to the trail, places to stay the night, etc.), however I never really thought I would get to experience random kindness like this from random strangers without actually hiking the entire 2,650 mile trail. If nice things like this happen to Aaron and I who are just section hiking the PCT and thru-hiking the JMT, I can't even imagine what wonderful things and people thru-hikers are running into during their hikes - that must be so much fun!

The backpacking trip was wonderful. There was a big climb in the beginning to reach the top of the San Felipe Hills, after which the trail leveled off a bit and wound round the top of the range. We hiked about 16 miles before setting up camp around mile 93, which had some spectacular views of the desert below. The next day, we continued on to Warner Springs another 16 miles down the San Felipe Hills and through valleys dotted with cows and interesting groupings of rocks like Eagle Rock. Now we only have a 20 mile section of trail left before we have completed the 109.6 miles of section A(!)... maybe next weekend...

Looking out from the San Felipe Hills

Ocotillo cactus

Near the campsite at mile 93

Walking through a valley near Warner Springs

Eagle Rock (taken last year)

A few days later I volunteered to help out with Mission Trails Day, which is a once a year event held for the public. There were stands covering a range of topics (i.e. bugs found in and around the park, reptiles in the park, small mammals found in the park, geology, mountain biking in the park, etc.). There were even people selling cheese burgers, hot dogs, and snow cones, horse rides, a rock wall, and an REI tent. It was a fun event, and I was very happy to help out and promote the outdoors that I love so much. After the event, I checked House Wren nest boxes with another Mission Trails volunteer friend. There were babies in some of the nest boxes, and we also got to see some of them fledge!


The next weekend, Aaron and I decided to take it easy and enjoyed a rather relaxing few days. We flew a kite at the bay not too far from the house, and also visited the zoo. We both have annual zoo passes, and like to go for only a few hours every once in awhile right before they close. We've found this is when a lot of the animals are most active, and also it is much less crowded. Also, REI was having a sale and I finally found the sun shirt of my dreams - thin, light weight, thumb holes, hooded, and on sale! Perfect!

Bird in Scripps Aviary at the San Diego Zoo

Have you flown a kite lately??