Author: Andrew Carter

I just completed a multi-year thru hike (MYTH) of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). It took three years. I hiked 1840 miles in 2021, 733 miles in 2022, and 122 miles in 2023. The only reason I had to hike in 2023 was a wildfire closure at the north end of the PCT in 2022. During the past two years, I've also thru hiked other, shorter US trails. I hiked the Benton MacKaye Trail (GA, NC, TN) and the Tuscarora Trail (VA, WV, MD, PA) in 2022 plus the Ozark Highlands Trail (AR) in 2023. I hope to hike the Long Trail (VT) next year and the Colorado Trail at some point in the future. Please note, all content on this site is copyright.

Forest Fire Campsite

c) Andrew Carter, 2021

I left the Antelope Valley this morning and started climbing back into the mountains.

The trail out of the Antelope Valley leading into the Sierra Palona Mountains

I didn’t make it to the ridge until 2:00 pm, but what a view.

Looking north across the Antelope Valley. The PCT came out of the Tehachapi Mountains at the pass between the two humps to the right on the far ridgeline.

After making it to the ridge, I was hiking through partially open meadows and then an oak forest. It was great to see grass and trees after a day and a half in the desert.

I love oak forests

There were no springs, but I was able to get water out of a cistern.

The slanted roof directs rain water into the cistern below it. The cistern was full.

But after all this beauty, I entered into a fire zone from the Lake Fire last year.

All the trees and vegetation on the mountain in the background are gone

I’m camping in that fire zone tonight.

My campsite at the edge of the fire zone

It’s liable to get down to freezing tonight. It’s 41 degrees right now. I’m making hot tea to warm me up. Goodnight, all.