So after having a "wardrobe malfunction" two weeks ago on San J's Deer Springs Trail, we came back this morning. It actually worked out pretty well because one of my Boy Scouts who was one 20 mile hike away from finishing his badge asked to tag along. I ran the numbers by Tom Harrison and it was, well, close enough. The 1/2 mile or so it was short was made up for by the 5300 feet of UP we did throughout the day in my book.
So me, Mike and our new sidekick headed up the trail at 0605. Since this scout has stayed away from the trails lately I was unsure how he would perform. I put him in the lead so we wouldn't go to fast, but that backfired when he nervously set a much too fast pace. After two miles I sent Mike to releive him on point. Mike set an easy pace and we soon hit the PCT.
We decided to do Deer Springs as a loop so we headed south on the PCT until it hit the Wellman Juction. From there it was the same ole same ole for me and Mike, but it was all new to our buddy. Mike kept the pace slow and we took about 6 hours to hit the summit. We weren't trying to beat any records, just trying to help a scout finish his badge and get the check in the block for the trail head.
On the way down we headed towards Fuller/Marion Mountain which is a much steeper trail. We hit the PCT again which dropped us back at Deer Springs. A quick 4.3 miles later we were at the truck. A little over ten hours.
Talked to a lot of great people throughout the day, including group headed to Whitney in two weeks. Answered all their questions as best as I could. I'm no pro with just 16 summits. LOL..................................DUG
Last edited by DUG; 08/29/10 07:23 AM.
