Had a very windy but great day climbing over Saddleback Mountain and Saddleback Jr (there was another mountain at the beginning, but when we are summiting multiple per day, one forgets the smaller ones). The climb up was quite steep with some bouldering like yesterday. A portion of today’s walk was a ridge walk which is quite enjoyable. Being above treeline and having the 360 degree views is a rarity. There were quite a few people on these mountains. There are roads fairly close to the base so day hikers and some outdoor camps come through as well.
Tonight at the campsite, there are a lot of people. There is a trail maintenance crew of 6, a caretaker, a girls’ camp of 8 or so, 2 section hikers and 6 thru hikers. Kind of a rarity to share the camp with so many, but there is enough space in the woods here so it does not seem crowded. The caretaker had thru-hiked in 2009 and coincidentally is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer as well.
Of special note: this campsite has a privy that has side by side seating with a cribbage board in between.
Hopefully tonight we won’t have adverse weather. Last night we had thunder and lightening again.
Daily Distance: 16.9
Trip Distance: 218.5
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