[pct-l] Sections C and F report

[Schifrin Benjamin]

Most of the people who care about this are already fully under steam,  
but...

1. Rewalked Section C at the start of April. All water sources  
mentioned in the guide were running, but at much lower levels than  
I've previously seen for this time of year. Bad for SoBos, or those  
at the end of the pack.

2. Equada Outfitters, in Big Bear Lake, has moved a block up the  
street, to a much bigger and nice location. Still on Pine Knot, but  
now 663 Pine Knot Ave #A. Phone still 909.866.6186. Peter Fulkerth,  
the owner, is a seriously nice guy. He has a complete selection of  
lightweight gear, and can special order gear for thru-hikers-- or he  
can forward it to the Saufleys, or where ever. HE ALSO SHUTTLES FROM  
HIGHWAY 18! He really deserves our support.

3. Robinhood Resort, just a minute away from Equada, offers a hiker  
discount. Great rooms, utmost convenience. Call 909.866.4643 or  
800.990.9956 or www.robinhoodresort.info.

4. Despite the tendency to come into Big Bear via Hwy 18, and to stay  
in Big Bear CITY, the best current way to to get there is via the  
Cougar Crest Trail, down to the Discovery Center, then catch a  
shuttle bus or call a cab ($12) to get to Big Bear LAKE. The hotels,  
restaurants, and supplies at BB LAKE are far superior to BB CITY, and  
the shuttle bus easily gets to the grocery-pharmacy-KMart complex  
from either point. But, Pine Knot Ave is THE place to be.

5. I just got home from rewalking Section F. All the usual water  
sources in the guide are up and running, including, unfortunately,  
the large caches at Kelso Valley Road and Bird Springs Pass. Smaller  
at Butterbredt Road. Worries about Golden Oak Spring are overstated--  
I got water at a rate of one liter every 10 seconds, and there will  
certainly be water there when the Surge hits in a month. Water is  
painfully low at Cottonwood Creek, however, but fine at Sam'n'Andy  
Mine and Waterhole Mine and Lander Tank. McIver was trashed by 4wd  
vandals, but still runs. Met McIvers' grandson at the cabin--  
stunningly cordial, considering how poorly some others have treated  
his folks' place!


Ben Schifrin
Wilderness Press
17360 Highgrade Lane
Sonora CA 95370
work 800.443.7227
home 209.586.5767
benschif at mac.com