PCT Episode 7: Agua Dulce to Hiker Town

[@kellyjohnson3617]

You were wise to skip San Jacinto and Baden Powell this year. We’ve had so much late rain and snow here. Better to do the low desert parts now while it’s cooler. Go back and get those mountains later. The oak you are seeing are called Live Oak because they literally don’t go dormant in the winter but have their leaves and acorns year around. It’s so gorgeous out there right now. Enjoy it. Thanks for posting

[@rickcoulon890]

Kind of thought they were Live Oaks, they are very beautiful. Thanks for you comments!

[@rickcoulon890]

I actually did get to the high point of the PCT on Mt San Jacinto.

[@sugarstick6990]

Thanks for sharing Rick. Nice yellow blazing!

[@rickcoulon890]

Thanks for watching! Unfortunately no way around skipping certain sections, we were able to get in 20 miles per day on average and over 4000 miles of the section. I am really looking forward to the two areas I had to skip later in the year!

[@sugarstick6990]

@@rickcoulon890You’re definitely crushing miles - pulling 20 miles a day from day one. I’m curious if you bypassed from Paradise Valley Cafe to Big Bear Lake and from Cajon Pass (I-15) to Hwy 14? I hope you have a restful break.

[@rickcoulon890]

At the time both were dangerous due to heavy snow and I didn’t want to take recommended alternative I would rather come back and hike the trail. It was very dangerous at the time 3’ of new snow on SanJacinto with an ice layer underneath and Badin Powell had a big snow storm also. We were up to our waist outside of Big Bear and avalanche conditions….we actually heard one at night

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

Certainly hitting the miles. Do the blisters sort themselves in the end?

[@rickcoulon890]

Kind of...they are were much better towards the end of the section. I am home now for about a month until the Sierra's get passable so they are almost completely healed

[@stevenvarner9806]

The chaparral doesn't go dormant until late summer and into early fall. It's green and blooming during the PCT months of March through April. - Agua Dulce is "ah-wah dool-say." (sweet water).

[@rickcoulon890]

Several locals told me (ranch owners) this is the greenest they can remember

[@richardinjapan4578]

Will you go back to fill in the skipped segments? Which segments are there to go back to? Wherever the trail may lead -- Be safe; keep at it!

[@rickcoulon890]

Yes I plan to go back to complete these areas (Mission Creek to Big Bear and Cajon Pass to Mt Baden Powell)

[@mariusventer853]

Wow you killing the miles. Wow. How much have you skipped because of the snow? Wow amazing!

[@rickcoulon890]

HH think around 125 miles in total, I will definitely come back and do them however, as they’re really beautiful areas

[@jeffkoski2125]

Seems to me you're making good time. Mohave crossing, less food more water. Hike at night. Looks like you'll arrive early to Kennedy Meadows South. You may have a longer layover there as the high Sierra snow melts. Looking forward to your continued videos and adventures.

[@rickcoulon890]

Looks like I’ll be waiting for a while due to the above average snow year in the Sierras. Already for my giant bear vote to make it through the Sierra I already have the Isacks and micro spikes which I’ve been carrying with me to get through the snow so far.😊

[@longevity100]

Sorry to hear about your blisters. Are you wearing Injinji socks as well? Really enjoying your videos, you do a good job of capturing many of the difficulties. That snow you went through was incredible.

[@rickcoulon890]

Hey Don good hearing from you, I’m wearing darn tough socks and ultra lone peak seven shoes. Unfortunately, the shoes I bought were one half size 2 small which I think is the primary cause I find the Appalachian Trail is harder on your muscles and your joints and the Pacific Crest trail is much harder on your feet.

[@ladiaturek4470]

I started to watch your channel. Just question, do you plan later go back and finish skipped sections? Sierra has a lot of snow again. Ski season is in full blast.

[@rickcoulon890]

Yes, I definitely plan to come back and hike these later. I am so disappointed that I had to jump over these areas!

[@ladiaturek4470]

Good and good luck.

[@maysusy4]

Hi super Dad hiker!!very welcome to Antelope Valley this is the perfect time to cross this windy , hot , and dry area … the best positive energy for you . Forward to see you soon!!!