[pct-l] Sections E & F, January - March 2003

[AsABat" <AsABat@xxxxxxxxxxxx (AsABat)]

Over the last three months I've hiked from Pine Canyon Road (Section E) to
Walker Pass (Section F). I agree: It can be a great hike at the right time
of year.

My brief comments on conditions. Not all water sources are mentioned as I
did these mostly as day hikes and didn't visit off-trail springs.

On January 1 we found no water in the creek at Cottonwood Canyon bridge, but
there was (green) water in the horse trough below the aqueduct. On the dirt
road/trail there was an arrow made of rocks pointing the way (although it
was under water in a puddle when we visited).

Tylerhorse Canyon Creek was flowing well.

Ron mentioned a new stock tank and open air shower below the windmills. I
recall this was on Map E14.
On January 3 there was only a little water in the trough and the pipes were
turned off, possibly because of freezing. We had several miles of thin snow
on the trail above (south) of this point.

We saw extensive damage from m0t0rcyc1es in this area. My website has a
picture of deep ruts made when the trail was covered in snow and mud.
Further south (E13) we saw sections of the trail destroyed by their tracks.

Oak Creek near Tehachapi-Willow Road was very unappealing marsh water.

Wildflowers were starting to bloom starting up from Tehachapi (Map F1)
February 15.

The pipe at Golden Oaks Spring (F4) was trickling and the trough had about
an inch of ice February 14.

The creek near Waterhole Mine (F7) was flowing very well February 16.

While I didn't visit McIvers Spring (F12), the seasonal brook 0.3 mile
before the turnoff (F12) was flowing ok March 8. The trail passes through
several miles of burned area here. There were a fair number of fallen trees
that are working well to restrick the trail to those who belong there. IMHO,
we should think about NOT removing all blowdowns and instead trim them for
traffic control.

WATER CACHES (Usual "don't rely on them" disclaimer applies):

In February there were 2 gallons left in a 4-gallon cache just south (west)
of Kelso Valley Road.
At Bird Spring Pass on March 8 there were two caches:
1. 4 gallons just north of the road.
2. 40 gallons in 10 5-gallon jugs about 1/4 mile south of the road. This
cache was marked by a wooden sign in the trail which points up hill (to the
right if Northbound).

I have some pictures of my Section E & F trips on my site at
www.4Jeffrey.Net - click on Pacific Crest Trail.

AsABat