PCT 2022| CALIFORNIA | DAY 19 San Jacinto Junction to mm193.0
Miles Hiked: 11.8 miles
Elevation: 1668 ft ascent | 3927 ft descent
Day by day. Many years ago when I first started watching and reading about the PCT, I always thought I would do all the alternative or extra side trails. I mean, you're already there, so why not? In reality, taking care of myself is more important. I didn't have a strong urge to summit San Jacinto like I did with Whitney the last few years. I still have that urge to summit Whitney for a third time this year. So, I took it day by day. I woke up on Day 19 still unsure of my plans. I made up my mind pretty quick, seeing as I was already at the junction. No summit.
And you know what? That is okay. Sure, there is part of me that would have liked to. I probably won't return anytime soon to summit (if ever).
Today was a good day. The wind howled as I descended. I made my way along the PCT, not seeing another hiker for hours. As I made my way towards the other junction for San Jacinto, snow fields started to become more frequent. Once last water stop at the icy cold North Fork San Jacinto River and it was (mostly) downhill.
From snow to signs of desert once again. Fuller Ridge had many snowfields, none that I felt required microspikes mid-day. I decided to don them anyway, for a longer section, since I was carrying them already.
That wind though...
It was early, but the wind! I decided to stop at one of the few campsites that had comments stating it was protected from the wind. I was the first one there and picked a spot that was fairly well protected, but stronger gusts still packed a punch.
