PCT 2023 | DAYS 10-14 SCISSOR’S CROSSING TO MARY’S PLACE

DAY 10

Miles Hiked: 13.9 miles

This year I hiked out of Scissor’s Crossing after breakfast, enjoying the cooler 65-70 degree temperatures. Last year was a short evening hike to get most of the elevation gain out of the way, with temperatures in the high 80s. This marks the first longer (14-mile) water crossing on trail, at least this year. Despite all of the water, there were no streams to break up this section. The only option is 3rd Gate Water Cache. I saw my first rattlesnake of the hike: a baby Red Diamondback (about 9-10 inches long) with a small lizard in its mouth. I camped at the 3rd Gate Water Cache.

DAY 11

Miles Hiked: 10 miles

I was originally going to hike to Barrel Springs, hitch into Montezuma Valley Market (now Ranchita Bodega, as of 2024) , and then camp at Barrel Springs for an early start the next morning…but plans change a lot on trail. If you are someone who likes “planning” your days like I do: be flexible!

On that note: I made it 100 miles!

I got a ride into Montezuma Valley Market from one of the owners, Mike (thanks again!) with another hiker. The shop is small but caters to hikers and has plenty to grab a full resupply to get you to Idyllwild. Cold drinks, snacks, and good company. There are multiple room options for overnight stays, and a kitchen to cook food (Woodsy ended up cooking us dinner). Laundry and showers are also available for purchase. The original store burned down a couple of years ago and Mike + Kemi have worked tirelessly to get it back and running for hikers, all while offering a free shuttle. I got an incredibly warm welcome from Kemi when I walked into the store. Saw Woodsy again and learned that others were staying the night, so I did too (stayed here last year on almost the same date).

DAY 12

Miles Hiked: 11.3 miles

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

We got a ride to the trailhead around 9:30AM. My goal was to make it to the same camp as last year along Agua Caliente, but I was not sure if I would make it with the late start. It was an easy morning with rolling hills, big open fields, and so many flowers! I saw two horseback riders at Eagle Rock and took a picture for them. Lunch with Woodsy just before Warner Springs, where I saw Carsten, Gritty, and Milton. Two water crossings around the road before hiking the last few miles to camp.

You know what? It’s my birthday. I decided to stop a couple of miles short and camp with Bobcat, Gritty, Carsten, Milton, Dory, and Kate. I packed out a small snack cake from MVM and a drink. We ate dinner at the picnic tables and sang a round of Happy Birthday before calling it early. The bugs were starting to increase.

DAY 13

Miles Hiked: 14.8 miles

Today is a water crossing day: about a half dozen crossings of Agua Caliente Creek. Most were ankle to calf deep. I started my morning in my Bedrock sandals, as the first crossing was right out of camp. After the last crossing, the trail begins to ascend over 3,000ft back into exposed terrain and BOULDERS. So many boulders. Woodsy caught up to me around lunch and we hiked the rest of the way to Mike’s Place. Baby rattlesnake number two, sitting right in the middle of trail. Woodsy almost stepped on it, as it blended into the pebbles below.

DAY 14

Miles Hiked: 16.7 miles

From Mike’s Place to Mary’s Place. Well…almost. My goal was to reach Mary’s, but with sunset coming quickly, I decided to stop at a group campsite surrounded by boulders. I tucked my tent in and made a quick dinner. Boy was I glad I stopped! The sunset was amazing tonight.

Cloudy skies made for a cool climb out of Mike’s Place that morning. I ran into Burrito and Epiphany again on my way down into the canyon (2022 thru-hikers) and met two new hikers: Tiny Bladder and Footloose. The afternoon got warm, the clouds disappeared, and I started to dread the climb up to Mary’s. I stopped at the lovely cistern for a late lunch. It is full this year, a drastic comparison to the 4-5 inches last year (seasoned with dead lizards and a live snake). I contemplated stopping earlier many times, but the strong wind kept me going.