[pct-l] Planning for my thru-ride this year of the PCT

[David Money Harris]

Rhonda,

The Walker Pass Campground is less than a mile before Highway 178 and it has direct access to the highway further west.  The campground sometimes does not have a reliable water supply.  I’m not an equestrian, but I imagine you might be able to truck in water and feed if you were laying over for the week.  The campground is a bit desolate and I’d feel stir crazy if I were staying there for a week.

There’s extensive ranching in the valley west of Walker towards Onyx and Lake Isabella.  If you found somebody with local knowledge, there’s a good chance you could connect with a ranch for either supplies or a layover.

Another option is to continue up to the Chimney Creek Campground, two days further north.  There are faucets and a creek, neither of which are reliable, but you might call the ranger and find out in advance.  The campground is next to Lamont Meadow, which is mostly rabbitbush but perhaps of interest to horses.  This area is higher elevation, forested, and much more pleasant for a layover.

A third option is to continue another day north to Kennedy Meadows, where there is reliable water, a large meadow, and some ranching activity.  

David

> On Jan 14, 2015, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
> 
> From: pct-l-request at backcountry.net <mailto:pct-l-request at backcountry.net>
> Sent: 
> Message: 4
> Date: Sun, 11 Jan 2015 14:20:52 -0800
> From: "Rhonda Marquis" <hrsnarnd at webformixair.com <mailto:hrsnarnd at webformixair.com>>
> To: <pct-l at backcountry.net <mailto:pct-l at backcountry.net>>
> Subject: [pct-l] Planning for my thru-ride this year of the PCT
> Message-ID: <4F9EBD70D95D4B7CA53C83767B4060DC at ezerider>
> Content-Type: text/plain;       charset="utf-8"
> 
> As is everyone, I?m making my plans for this year?s PCT adventure.  My husband, Pat, is supporting me and our 3 horses who will help me achieve my goal of a thru-ride this year.  We are making lists, checking gear, printing maps (thank you Halfmile!!!) marking waypoints to meet and camp, and acquiring info in preparation.
> Some of the info that I?m hoping this list can help with is the location of layovers suitable for horses...either corrals or we can high-line.  We plan to dry camp in the forest when ever possible but the most needed area is the section east of the Bakersfield area where the trail crosses Hwy 178 at mile 652 ish.  The ponies and I will be laying over for about a week while Pat jets home to ramrod the annual St Jude Benefit ride that our chapter of Oregon Equestrian Trails sponsors every year at Sisters Cow Camp.  We?ve organized this ride for the last 10 years or so and he didn?t want to drop the ball on it because we?re out on the trail.  I?m sure by the time I?ve covered that many miles the horses and I will be ready for a break.
> I love this list and really appreciate all that is shared on it.  I?ve learned a great deal from everyone?s postings.  And ?thank you? to the list moderator(s?) who spend their time maintaining it!  
> I?m looking forward to hearing from list members (or others that they may know) that are familiar with the area east of Bakersfield, where the trail crosses Hwy 178 at mile 652 ish.  If there?s a safe/affordable layover for trailer & horses in that area I?d love to hear about it or any others you know about.
> Thank you so much.
> Happy trails,
> Rhonda
> in Central Oregon