Another beautiful juniper along the PCT, this one just south of Ebbetts Pass. I was climbing up a very steep trail to Noble Lake. Check out the smoke. Excuse me while I go cough.
I left you in the last post about my hike down the PCT with photos of spectacular rocks and impressive trees. I say goodbye to the Mokelumne Wilderness in this post, hike across Highway 4 at Ebbetts Pass, and continue my journey southward. Of course there will be more pretty trees, but roots, snags, flowers, a family from Taiwan and through-hikers are the main subject for photos today.
Have any aches and pains? Some people swear by this plant, self-heal, as being good for what ails you. I came across a list claiming it is good for ulcers, wounds, sore throats, hemorrhoids, high blood pressure, burns, insect bites, herpes and cancer. Woohoo. You might want to check with your doctor first. (grin)You’ve already met this fellow, flea bane, with its obvious name. Orange and yellow lichen— where algae and fungi co-habitate in a symbiotic relationship. An inviting green trail through aspen.A snag and dead flowers combine in a floral arrangement.This fellow was fun. I’ve never seen a snag sitting down with its tail hanging out behind. I was worried it might follow me home. How would I explain that to Peggy?Twisted roots!Stump with personality.Bone decided to get into the act when I left the Mokelumne Wilderness.These two sisters, Denise and Deborah were only doing part of the trail. Since we were hiking in the same direction, we kept crossing paths, so to speak. They were both carrying tents and explained to me, “We grew up having to share a room. That was enough.” They wrote me later saying that their hike was interrupted by the Sonora Pass fire. Mine too. I caught up with Wayne Chiang and his family along with their friend, Bass Chong, at Ebbetts Pass. They were out for a day hike. Wayne is a legislator with the Republic of Taiwan and has long term hopes of becoming Mayor of Taipei. Bass works at Ebay. This smiling fellow was from Germany and, I am sorry to say, I’ve misplaced his trail name. He wanted to take a photo of me to show friends and family back home that people of all ages hike the PCT. I was just glad that he didn’t say something like, “Really old people hike the PCT!” A final juniper photo for today.
NEXT POST: Adios, Puerto Vallarta… with a few spectacular sunsets.
Wanderer, writer, photographer and activist. I've now settled in Southern Oregon. 1.8 million acres of national forest are out the backdoor and the beautiful Applegate River is out the front door. I love travel, reading and history, create humor cards, and have discovered the joys of genealogy. I am married to the lovely, funny, bright Peggy.
Such a hike is not in the cards for me Curt, but I have taken vicarious pleasure in reading your posts and looking at your photos. Perhaps when you don’t have to deal with smoke, you will get the 1000 miles in yet. Even if you do not, this hike has been wonderful, and it is interesting to visit it through your experienced eyes.
I spent some time calculating distances the other day, Ray, and it looks like around 750 miles when I count in my numerous small detours. I’m thinking 750 miles for 75 years sounds pretty good. 🙂 I am glad you have enjoyed the journey! –Curt
Ha, then you probably shouldn’t have been hiking along that trail, AC. In addition to being steep, it was narrow with some pretty impressive drop-offs! 🙂 –Curt
Wow to that smoke! I’m sure your lungs were glad when the hike was done. Incredible finds in nature. I especially like the tree bolting upward from the rock. I think you called it a snag?
Snag is another word for a dead tree, Sue. It’s ‘tail’ is what caught my attention. 🙂 The smoke was obnoxious and has become a real bother for through-hikers. It led me to make major changes in my hiking plans. –Curt
Junipers are simply photogenic, Kelly. What more can I say, other that having a drop-dead scenic background doesn’t hurt either. 🙂 Through hikers are a friendly group! –Curt
Love the photos. I didn’t see the name for the beautiful purple/magenta cure all flower. What is it? I enjoy following your journey along the trail and especially how you connect with people along the way. It’s as if some people from around the world come to meet in the wilderness to interconnect and share a moment (of whatever length) of their lives. I find myself feeling moved by this experience.
Ah, the flowers common name is ‘self-heal.’ It’s a member of the mint family. I was surprised by the comradery of the trail, Arati. I expected it to me a more solo type of experience. But the fact was, we were all out there meeting the same challenges. It led to quick connections. –Curt
In Australia, a snag is a sausage. They are also called bangers. Bangers and mash is a dish of sausages and mashed potatoes. One of my favourites, Curt, Especially with an onion gravy.
Your photos are beautiful. Helvi just now mentioned how she was struck by their beauty.
My favorite photo’s the snag with the dead flowers, which don’t look dead at all. If they are, they certainly have staying power. Alive or dead, they’re still better than plastic! That’s the best thing about following along on your wanderings — they’re real.
Another fantastic series of images. The wilderness has a lot to offer and you’ve taken full advantage. And just think… not only all ages, but folks come from all over the world!
Those junipers seem to have a good, firm hold on the dry earth around them; it’s amazing how they hang on there, mere inches from toppling over the edge of the trail. Loved the lichen and the long-tailed snag, too!
Nature is tough, Lexi. No doubt about it when you see all of the different conditions that plant and animals survive under. And I sometimes find that the tough conditions can lead to real beauty. –Curt
It must be wonderful to meet so many kindred spirits on these hikes. I’d love to sit around camp and hear their stories. It almost makes me want to hike…
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25 thoughts on “Across a National Scenic Byway and Down a National Scenic Trail… The PCT Near Ebbetts Pass.”
ralietravels
Such a hike is not in the cards for me Curt, but I have taken vicarious pleasure in reading your posts and looking at your photos. Perhaps when you don’t have to deal with smoke, you will get the 1000 miles in yet. Even if you do not, this hike has been wonderful, and it is interesting to visit it through your experienced eyes.
Curt Mekemson
I spent some time calculating distances the other day, Ray, and it looks like around 750 miles when I count in my numerous small detours. I’m thinking 750 miles for 75 years sounds pretty good. 🙂 I am glad you have enjoyed the journey! –Curt
leggypeggy
Love the sitting snag. Great shots.
Curt Mekemson
The snag was fun, Peggy. And there were always great subjects for photography. –Curt
Animalcouriers
First shot, although quite beautiful, gives me vertigo!
Curt Mekemson
Ha, then you probably shouldn’t have been hiking along that trail, AC. In addition to being steep, it was narrow with some pretty impressive drop-offs! 🙂 –Curt
GP Cox
The juniper trees make interesting shapes but the PCT makes some intriguing com-padres!
Curt Mekemson
Lots of wild and semi-wild creatures out there, G, including yours truly! 🙂 –Curt
Sue Slaght
Wow to that smoke! I’m sure your lungs were glad when the hike was done. Incredible finds in nature. I especially like the tree bolting upward from the rock. I think you called it a snag?
Curt Mekemson
Snag is another word for a dead tree, Sue. It’s ‘tail’ is what caught my attention. 🙂 The smoke was obnoxious and has become a real bother for through-hikers. It led me to make major changes in my hiking plans. –Curt
CompassAndCamera
What beautiful juniper trees, scenes and friends along the trail!
Curt Mekemson
Junipers are simply photogenic, Kelly. What more can I say, other that having a drop-dead scenic background doesn’t hurt either. 🙂 Through hikers are a friendly group! –Curt
Arati
Love the photos. I didn’t see the name for the beautiful purple/magenta cure all flower. What is it? I enjoy following your journey along the trail and especially how you connect with people along the way. It’s as if some people from around the world come to meet in the wilderness to interconnect and share a moment (of whatever length) of their lives. I find myself feeling moved by this experience.
Curt Mekemson
Ah, the flowers common name is ‘self-heal.’ It’s a member of the mint family. I was surprised by the comradery of the trail, Arati. I expected it to me a more solo type of experience. But the fact was, we were all out there meeting the same challenges. It led to quick connections. –Curt
M.B. Henry
Ooooh I love that Aspen trail!! The whole experience just looks so amazing -and such lovely pictures too
gerard oosterman
In Australia, a snag is a sausage. They are also called bangers. Bangers and mash is a dish of sausages and mashed potatoes. One of my favourites, Curt, Especially with an onion gravy.
Your photos are beautiful. Helvi just now mentioned how she was struck by their beauty.
Alison and Don
Love those junipers. Also love that shot of the snag.
Alison
Dave Ply
Nice set. I was struck by the snag with dead flowers – that’s not something you see every day.
Dave Kingsbury
I’m always struck by the cheerful expressions of the folk you foto, Curt! You obviously have a good effect on them …
shoreacres
My favorite photo’s the snag with the dead flowers, which don’t look dead at all. If they are, they certainly have staying power. Alive or dead, they’re still better than plastic! That’s the best thing about following along on your wanderings — they’re real.
Gunta
Another fantastic series of images. The wilderness has a lot to offer and you’ve taken full advantage. And just think… not only all ages, but folks come from all over the world!
lexklein
Those junipers seem to have a good, firm hold on the dry earth around them; it’s amazing how they hang on there, mere inches from toppling over the edge of the trail. Loved the lichen and the long-tailed snag, too!
Curt Mekemson
Nature is tough, Lexi. No doubt about it when you see all of the different conditions that plant and animals survive under. And I sometimes find that the tough conditions can lead to real beauty. –Curt
Browsing the Atlas
It must be wonderful to meet so many kindred spirits on these hikes. I’d love to sit around camp and hear their stories. It almost makes me want to hike…
Curt Mekemson
You know you want to, Juliann! 🙂 There are always tales to tell. There should be a bunch in my upcoming book. –Curt