BACKPACKING LITTLE 2 NO WATER | HOT & ARID SUMMER CAMPING | Los Padres National Forest | CASTAIC, CA

By chance rather than intention, the multi-night trip turned into an overnight stay. A spectacular sight of 3 California condors, a leaping bobcat and several deer welcomed us before we laid boots on dirt. Full of excitement, we bushwhacked through the unbearably hot and overgrown thicket in search of a BNB with ample running water-5 miles in and never found it. The stark, dry and dehydrated landscape was a remarkable contrast to the thriving ecosystem witnessed in the scorching backcountry (tadpoles/frogs, healthy crawfish population, a school of 50+ baby trout, barn owl, bear etc). I so happily saw my first ever native SoCal trout that was a whopping 15-18” long-I couldn’t believe it! Crammed in an isolated pool, 4-5 trout monsters anticipate their inevitable demise and or wait for inclement weather! Culprit: man or nature?
Uncertainty of water was disconcerting but we managed to find a clean but stagnant pool thriving with biodiversity and deemed the brackish water safe to drink w/ filter.
Pushed the physical limits in the relentless heat w/ limited source(s) of drinkable water but overall, a good overnighter.
music : ALI FARKA TOURE - Ledi Coumbe
#trekkerscout #bushwhacking #backcountry

[@Sespelocal805]

Awesome video and beautiful backcountry

[@etnikgrounds]

🙏🏽.. thanks, mate 🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@willminie79]

Can you provide the location to this beautiful setting at Los Padres National Forest?

[@etnikgrounds]

☺️Thanks Wilma! Happy New year to you and yours!