50 Miler Day 1: Tuesday 080916
Day 1 Data:
- Mileage 14.52
- Moving Time: 6:13
- Moving Avg: 2.3 mph
- Ascent: 1535 feet
Day 1 we departed from Urich Cabin at Government Meadows. The cabin was a blessing as it rained off and on throughout the day before and the night. We mixed up water and dry milk for cold cereal for breakfast.
Getting ready to depart from Urich Cabin
How great to not have to hit the trail the first day with wet-packed items like tents and sleeping bags!
On the damp trail on day 1
Group shot on the trail
The whole group was excited to get on the trail. We did have one young man (Simon) who woke up vomiting. He got a priesthood blessing. We knew there was a turn off point for the people who were going back with the vehicles so we decided to make a call on whether that young man would continue on at that time. The bishop provided us with a nice morning devotional.
Robert, Sean, Carter and Richard, geared up for the drizzle
The fog and drizzle continued to hang over Government meadows so everyone put on their rain gear and we got packed up, said a prayer, and hit the trail.
Quick snack, water and rest break
We arrived at the turn off back to the parking area and stopped to regroup. The rain and drizzle continued off and on. Dan and Ethan, the bishop and Alden headed for the vehicles to take them home and Simon and his dad decided he would go on. He was still pretty pale but was keeping up with the group fairly well.
Simon and Richard ready to hike on
We hiked through the forested area and started climbing in elevation.
Hiking through the low clouds and fog on the Pacific Crest Trail
We came to a view point up the trail which looked down into a small lake.
On the PCT
Taylor enjoying the scenery
Everything was so green and beautiful!
Mushrooms sprouting in the moist climate
Don’t know if it’s edible, didn’t want to risk it!
We passed about 8 people on the trail who were all going north. The temperature was moderate, which was nice.
Lush greenery on the Pacific Crest Trail
The young men did amazing with carrying their heavy packs.
Into the mist on the Pacific Crest Trail
Taylor and Tory
As we neared our destination for the night, everyone was ready for a break.
Getting close to Big Crow Basin, our stop for the night along the Pacific Crest Trail. See the smile on Simon’s face? He’s feeling better!
The mileage was a little further than expected, we ended up with 14.52 miles when we were expecting 13 (there was a little murmuring).
Sean and David
We could see Big Crow Basin below us on the east but didn’t see a specific trail so we went cross country.
On the Pacific Crest Trail
Layton and Michael
There was a nice camping area with trees, two little streams and an old, dilapidated shelter.
Adult tents in the “shelter” at Big Crow Basin on the Pacific Crest Trail
The young men set-up their three tents in the trees and the adults set-up tents under the shelter.
Youth tent area at Big Crow Basin on the Pacific Crest Trail
We gathered some water for dinner and used a SteriPen to treat the water (it worked quite well). The rain let up and we saw a few glimpses of sunshine. We then made a campfire and figured out a unique way to break up some firewood (see the videos).
We spent time doing the Indian Lore Merit Badge talking about the legend of Ta-Teek-Lah who roamed this area. Despite a long hike, the young men still had plenty of energy. They stayed up, around the campfire playing games while the leaders put in their earplugs (must have) and went to bed.