Turtle Treks to Tahquitz

PCT backpackers have a tradition of getting a trail name when they spend time getting into the groove of hiking on the 2,650 mile trail from Mexico to Canada. A portion of this trail goes right through the San Jacinto Mountains. 

Suicide Rock

I dubbed myself "Turtle" during my weekend hike to the tower. You can imagine why I gave myself that name. Although I hope I will get a new name by the end of the summer, there are advantages of going slow...you notice everything.

Two months ago when I hiked on Devil's Slide, it was full of ephemeral waterfalls. I counted seven of them. With the snow completely melted, we have returned to the dry summer season. (Click on photo for video.)

Definitely, a sharp contrast between then and now. With this in mind, my mission was to deliver a jug of water to the tower before our 4th of July lookout duty. This influenced my chosen trail name.

So what else did I notice? The views are just as beautiful now as they were then.

Columbine

A variety of wildflowers like Scarlet Bugler, Grinnell's Beardtongue, Paintbrush, and Columbine dot the trail but the most amazing discovery is the Western Azaleas that are covering one of the hillsides. First, you notice the strong fragrance and then, you see the beautiful white flowers.

Being the bird nerd that I am, I always have binoculars but on this day, my binocular case was empty. Alas, I was determined to get on the trail by 6:30am so I had to hike without binoculars. However, luck was on my side with a couple of birds. I heard a boldly singing Fox Sparrow but I couldn't get a decent photo of the male but this female with a beak full of insects showed up for me briefly at the Saddle.

Further down the trail, I discovered another singing male Fox Sparrow right in front of me. Wow! They were the brightest singers on this hike. Definitely, pay attention when you hike the trail this summer and look at the birds that are singing. 

It is amazing how small inspiring "boosts" from nature can propel you on. I made it to the peak and delivered the water.

I took a different route on the way down the mountain through one of our few meadows.

Taking time out to be reflective and observant in nature is a gift to us all. 
(Click on photo for video. If you listen with headphones or turn up the volume, you can hear the singing Robin and the gentle creek.)


Waking up this morning,
I smile.
Twenty-four brand-new hours
are before me.
I vow to live fully
in each moment
and to look at all beings 
with eyes of compassion.

Thich Nhat Hahn

When you visit our wilderness, please be respectful of this beautiful spot. No campfires and no fireworks in our wilderness! One thoughtless act could devastate what remains.


Click on photos to enlarge.
Content and photos by Robin Roberts.