[pct-l] Re: PCT-L digest, Vol 1 #504 - 14 msgs

[Traleman1@aol.com (Traleman1@aol.com)]

Submitted 5-20-02 to PCTA Trail Report Webiste by Tom Marshall 760-731-0444 <
Traleman1@aol.com>

We just rode southbound from Kennedy Meadows to Joshua Tree Spring ending 
5-19-02. We also participated in the Backcountry Horsemen of CA / Pacific 
Crest Trail Association JT Spring trail project ending 4-21-02. Between the 
two trip we rode from Kennedy Meadows to 2 miles south of McIver's Spring. 
The following updates are a result of these trips. I will start with water, 
then obstructions/tread condition, then bears.

Water summary: Hikers/Riders should have no water troubles through June 15, 
2002 and likely through the summer from McIver Spring to Kennedy Meadows.

Water flows nicely at McIvers Spring.

Water at Walker Pass Campground is on but has been heavily chlorinated.

Water is flowing clear and plentiful at Joshua Tree Spring thanks to 
BCHC/PCTA volunteers re-plumbing work in April '02. JT Spring should be 
reliable year-round again. 

Water flow is respectable at Spanish Needle Creek. Wild onions are thriving 
as ususal.

Water in the two upper forks of Spanish Needle (approx. 1 mile N of first 
crossing) is flowing good with a nice rock basin catching the water at the 
first fork.

Water at Chimney Peak Campground is turned on. Signs posted at faucets warn 
of poor quality. The water quality is equal or better than JT Spring. The 
freindly Camp Host cannot recomend that you drink the water un-treated but he 
does (and we did) drink it daily "as-is". Camping is still free here and the 
lower sites have water faucets right in camp.

Water at Fox Mill Spring is a medium trickle and provides adequate water to 
keep the tank reasonably clear for wildlife and will easily fill water 
bottles. The plumbing surely needs a BCHC/PCTA volunteer to repair the flow 
to it's normal capacity.

Water at creek crossing of Rockhouse Basin is adequate, particularly upstream 
from actual PCT crossing.

Obstructions/Tread Summary: Trail is clear from 1 mile south of McIver's 
Spring to Kennedy Meadows with exception of one small tree (14" diameter) 
down approx. 4 miles north of Chimny Peak Campground. This tree is passable 
by stock. Erosion to tread is bothersome but easily passable in same area 
approx. 4 miles N of Chimney Peak Camp. Rockhouse Basin Creek crossing is 
lacking adequate signage due to last years flash flooding in area. Recomend 
crossing creek, head upstream while watching for signs of hazard tree removal 
from our Oct. '01 project.

Bears: "Bad Bear" is active again at JT Spring. He seems quite pleased with 
our recent improvements to HIS water trough. This bear boasts several 
legendary campfire stories spanning several years. You can add to our 
campfire entertainment by chancing a lay over at his tempting oasis or play 
it safe and use the water source and camp elsewhere. During our April project 
we located our spike camp approx. 1 mile N of JT Spring just below the PCT 
and had no bear troubles. 

NOTE: Olancha Pass to Cottonwood Pass - BCHC/PCTA trail clearing project is 
scheduled for this section June 7 to 9, 2002. Contact Bill Carter for more 
informtaion 760-872-7511 (Bishop CA).

Have a safe and enjoyable hike/ride on the PCT and please consider thanking 
the trail with some volunteer trail work!!! Visit <
http://www.trailprojects.com/indexjtspring02.html> for a slide show of our 
April '02 JT Spring Project. 


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