[pct-l] ** Water & Trail Report Big Bear Area

[jeff.singewald at comcast.net]

Bill,

Thanks for the report.  I am curious re: your comment that Doble Trail Camp would be a good place for a water cache.  Why?  You have mentioned two spots (before and after this location) within 18 miles that both have water.  Additionally, Highway 18 and the hitch to Big Bear is in this stretch.  Why does the trail need yet another water cache in which to clutter the trail?  Isn't there enough already?

Jeff

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Bill Batchelor" <billbatch at cox.net> 

> 
> Just returned from a hike with my son around the Big Bear Area. 
> 
> First, for those not intimate with the trail yet - orientation 
> 
> When entering into the San Bernardino Mountains you climb from the valley 
> "Cabazon" or Gorgonio Pass. Climbing into the San Bernardino's you reach a 
> high point about 42 miles in called Onyx Summit at PCT mile 252. From 
> there, you descend into the Big Bear valley and lake area and wrap around 
> the north side of the lake. 
> 
> We hiked from that high point, Onyx Summit Mile 252, to mid way along the 
> lake - road 2N09 mile 277 (actually hiked out Cougar Crest Trail just before 
> road 2N09). 
> 
> First a quick nod to Erik of www.pctatlas.com He lives in that area and is 
> willing to help hikers out with rides. He gave us a lift so we could leave 
> our car at the far end. He does not monitor this list though. To reach 
> him, contact via his web site. 
> 
> Train conditions were in general immaculate. All blow downs on the first 15 
> miles were cleared. Any remaining blow downs on the second 15 miles were 
> easy to walk around or step over. There is plenty of snow on upper 
> elevations of many peaks, but the PCT is completely clear. 
> 
> Water: 
> 
> Arrastre Trail Camp mile 256 
> The piped water is dry. Arrastre creek flowing and clean. Creek comes 
> above ground just before this camp though and is flowing nicely. Further 
> down trail PCT crosses creek multiple times each with more water. 
> 
> Doble Trail Camp 
> Piped water: #1 dry, #2 dripping. #2 Pipe holds 2 liters then stops for 
> hours of reloading. Spring/well metal cover above pipe holding water - 
> filterable - lots-a-floaties. This would be a real nice place for angels 
> to drop off water caches. 
> 
> Van Dusen road crossing / Caribou Creek mile 274 
> Creek flowing strong. Great camping and break area except within view of 
> often used dirt road. 
> 
> Best to all, 
> 
> Pink Gumby 
> 
> 
> 
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