Maybe it's only cramping from not enough water as I may not have drank enough the past few days when the weather was cold and rainy. Either way, tomorrow will tell.
Six miles into the trail today we came across Deep Creek Hot Springs - were clothing is optional.
The spring was nice, hot but not too hot as the day itself had temperatures rise into the mid 80's. We hiked along ridges most of the day without much of a view- just the canyon's opposite side, and the Deep creek below us. Finally after 4 or more days of small shrub filled mountains dominating the landscape, we were rewarded with a view again. We see a snow capped mountain with two slightly smaller ones next to it. Baden Powell and Mt Williamson.
We finally were making our exit out of the canyons, the landscape gave way to much lower elevation- somewhat of a plateau below us until we reach the next set of ridges that will lead us into the San Gabriel Mountain chain.
I worked my way slowly down the steep incline, to the creek we've been following all day. We had to refill and filter our water. Madelyn played in the creek some- it was Mother's Day so there was somewhat of a local party crowd in the area, with the same idea.
After we hydrated, we had to cross the calf high creek, and make our way back up to the next ridge line. Madelyn has been leading most of the day because of my injury. I told her to watch for possible tent sites, we should make this an earlier day than usual.
What happened next is very strange. We come across a family out hiking with their grandmother- she must be 85. When the group saw us on trail, the elderly lady took a step, slid, and fell. She broke her ankle right in front of us. Her son and grandson carried her to a flatter part of trail - after speculating what to do, they ended up jogging off to retrieve their car and drive it up the fire road, as grandma could not walk or stand. Madelyn and I hung with them for the hour or so during the whole ordeal, said our goodbyes, and wished them luck.
The break was nice for my quad, I decided to press on at least another mile in search of a spot to camp. Not even 5 minutes back on trail, I am startled by what first sounded like a taser going off to my left. A Rattlesnake! It was definitely out of striking distance, but it was mad and certainly letting us know. A day hiker was just up the way, he pulled out his concealed firearm and threatened to shoot it for us. Since we were in his line of fire, we demanded he put his weapon away until we can clear the area. After all of that, the snake got bored and slithered off.
We finally found a great spot to camp, free of rattlesnakes, with a great view of sunset.
Tomorrow we will hope for the best, take it slow if necessary and push forward.
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