[pct-l] section M north from Bucks Summit

[David Hough reading PCT-L]

I finished my rehike of section M by dayhiking from Bucks Summit to Granite
Gap, where the PCT meets the trail up from Silver Lake.

The PCT and the side trail to Spanish Peak were both in great shape, no
obstacles.

Water - the two crossings of Bucks Creek at 1269.1 and 1269.5 were both
still running clear with useable volume.    Perhaps there should be a new
category between seasonal and perennial - "always running during traditional
northbound through-hiker season at the place".

The hike was very pleasantly graded and flowery - quite a contrast to the
grueling descent to Belden the day before.    There was no fire damage until
just before you get to Granite Gap, and fire damage is the overwhelming
sensation from Clear Creek sources on.

Silver Lake is a very quiet campground, albeit a hard two mile hike from
the PCT.   So not useful for through hikers, but for day hikers, you might
well get the place to yourself on a weekday or with very little company
even on an August weekend.    No piped water, trash service, or TP, but for
$20 you get a picnic table, fire ring, and vault toilets.    It's six mile
drive on a very good gravel road from the Bucks Lake road.

Spanish Peak is an excellent short side trip.    Easy trail - an old jeep
road to the site of a fire lookout.

http://firetower.org/lookouts/us/ca/spanish-peak-lookout-site/

There's just old foundations left, and a great view.

David Hough