[pct-l] RE: Cottonwood Creek

[dsaufley at sprynet.com (Donna Saufley)]

I was filing a stack of paperwork and found a copy of a letter forwarded to me last year by Liz Bergeron (PCTA Director for those new to the list).  The letter is  between LADWP and the Interagency PCT Trail Manager, Tim Stone, dated in November 24, 2003.  It describes the work that was to take place at Cottonwood Creek, the installations of the spigot, etc. It was part of a Boy Scout Eagle project for one of the local troops. The document memorializes LADWP's commitment to maintaining this water source for the express purpose of providing water for PCT hikers, with all the requisite caveats that the water is not considered potable but hikers may take and should treat the water.  A rather impressive commitment and recognition of the vitalness of this source.

This is such a wonderful example of the tremendous value the PCTA has brought to all constituencies of the trail.  Awesome -- and echoing the many, many thanks on behalf of those who may -- will -- find lifesaving water there.

I also find it rather ironic that I was so concerned about this issue -- what was going on and how it might impact the hikers -- when the answer was right there within reach all along.  This document probably arrived right at the time my beautiful mare took ill in December and I lost my mind for a good while.  My apologies to all for not seeing this letter and sharing it's contents sooner. 

-=Donna Saufley=-

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Dave Canfield 
To: dsaufley@sprynet.com;bob mayon;pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Sent: 5/3/04 5:27:37 PM 
Subject: RE: cottonwood creek bridge water


Hi Donna and Bob,
The water is on at Cottonwood.  I have been placing water at the shiny new shelter at Cottonwood for the early hikers.  Last Thursday, I checked the water and it was running.  The water comes out of a nifty new spigot on the side of the concrete block that used to have a basin in the top of it.  This block is located across the wash from the lean-to shelter, and is hard to see.  If you walk from the lean-to towards the small concrete building that is located on the aqueduct, you will cross the wash.  Halfway up the hill on the south side of the wash is the location of the water spigot.  There is a big sign on the concrete next to the water labeling it as an untreated water source.
Thanks to whoever went above and beyond at the LADWP for making this water source happen.
Regarding some of the other water sources in the area:
The cache at Lake Hughes Rd. is low.  I will begin adding to this cache this week. 
I have already placed water at the junction of the PCT and Upper Shake trails again this year.  I will increase the volume of water at this location this year.  I may be hiking that section myself over Memorial Day weekend. 
The water in the creek where the trail crosses Pine Cyn. Rd. is gone, as is the sag pond.  This is a bummer because Bob usually stocks a cooler with cold drinks that the creek keeps cold.  There will be a cache at the big digger pine just before crossing the road (I guess I should get a guide book so that I can state the mileage) 
By the way, Darrell Gardener suggested that water be dated (labeled with the date placed) so that hikers may have an idea as to how long those bottles have been sitting there.  I saw some bottles that looked rather old out in the desert, so I am beginning to implement this suggestion.  I am also tying the gallon jugs together so that they do not blow away and create an even larger eyesore than they already are (unless you are very thirsty).
 
David Canfield
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Alfred E. Mann Foundation
(661) 702-6738
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Donna Saufley [mailto:dsaufley@sprynet.com]
Sent: Saturday, May 01, 2004 12:01 PM
To: bob mayon; pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net; Dave Canfield
Subject: RE: cottonwood creek bridge water
 
Bob & Dave,
 
Went to the ADZ last weekend and there's a sizable wave headed this way in three weeks or so, four for you I'd imagine.  They went through 61 gallons of water in 24 hours at Scissors crossing!  
 
There are also a few headed your way right now; some section hikers and some early northbounders.  
 
-=dsaufley=-
 
 
 
----- Original Message ----- 
From: bob mayon 
 
To: pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net 
Cc: donna saufley
Sent: 4/26/04 4:27:01 PM 
Subject: cottonwood creek bridge water
 
The supt. of the aqueduct in this area is here with me now... He says  the water is on at the cottonwood creek bridge.
He tested the faucet this morning, and the water flows...