Greetings from Agua Dulce

It's been an interesting week on the PCT - from climbing over snowcovered 
Baden Powell in a total whiteout, to desert heat here in Agua Dulce.  We 
were freezing in the high country, roasting down at the Santa Clara River.  
We even got snowed on - about half an inch at Little Jimmy Campground, and 
again the next day as we were walking.  The country is beautiful, but the 
trail continues to be incredibly aggravating in its serpentine nature.  A 
couple of relos didn't help, when we realized that the new trail was at 
least a mile or two longer than the old one. I'll admit I like the cool of 
the high country best, but the desert flowers continue to be a delight.  
Lack of wildlife is still a disappointment, though we did have a kit fox 
pose for us on the trail.  The Sauffley's are everything we were told - 
absolutely terrific trail angels.  This place is incredible.  We've been 
hiking off and on with the same dozen or so hikers since Big Bear.  All are 
amassed here at Agua Dulce.  Seems that once settled in, this can be a very 
hard place to leave. Most of those who have lasted this far are former AT 
hikers - seems like half the class of '98 is out on the trail.  We are doing 
well aside from a few foot problems (can't wait for the new boots to be sent 
to Jim in Mojave!)

Walk softly,
Ginny & Jim
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