July 15th 2009, Phipps Creek to Squaw Creek

Transcriber's Note: Back to Tori's writing.

Woke up to more mosquitoes but luckily not as bad as the night before. We ate inside the tent and quickly packed up and got out of the mosquito heaven. Unfortunately, the mosquitoes followed us. It was a miserable 12 mile hike through brushy woods infected with mosquitoes. We were not enjoying ourselves and I was beginning to wonder if we would ever be able to escape these horrible bugs.

We arrived at Barker pass about 11am - time for our lunch. We were greeted by Shadow (George) who we hadn't seen since Idyllwild and a sheriff deputy. After introductions, the sheriff offered us cold sodas, apples and oranges. Sweet! Our first trail magic from a cop! Who knew they passed out goodies too?

And then we found out there was more trail magic at a picnic bench. Ducky - a previous PCT'er had come up for the day with his mom. They also had a cooler of cold drinks as well as chips. We had an enjoyable visit with ducky, as well as Shadow, Scott and Tamsin who also arrived.

Ducky gave us beta on the trail ahead of us. Thanks Sheriff Bob, Ducky and Ducky's mom for some great trail magic - You made our day!

The rest of the day miracously was spent with very few bugs. The trail traversed high through meadows and by several Tahoe ski resorts. We ended the day next to Squaw Creek - near Squaw Valley Ski Resort.

~Tori.


Transcriber's 2nd Note: Not sure why, but they sent me another entry for this date (same locations and info). This is the 2nd version... Tom writing this time. I'll let them edit it later if they want. Trying to stay true to their writing.

Rocked out with some trail angel action at Barker Pass. Sheriff's Deputy Bill Wharton was standing by and passing out cokes and oranges to thru-hikers.

A former PCT hiker named "Ducky" was at the trailhead as well for some trail angel action. We scored chips and sodas from him.

Today was really long. I am starting to lose a bit of motivation.

Was really neat cruising past Squaw Valley. Brought back some old haunts.

Hit Squaw creek for the evening. A 25 mile day!

Yehaw!

~Tom