9th May 2025

We broke camp and headed out early picking up Heavyweight who camped a mile further on from us. Today we had planned a big day, but if successful would see us bathing in natural hot springs come evening.

Our strategy was simple, consistent steps, stopping every four miles for water and snacks. The terrain was fairly forgiving, essentially flat considering what we have already been through. We left the last of the pine forest and embraced the shrubbery of the desert which was becoming all too familiar. 

At Deep Creek Bridge we headed down to the stream for a quick dip. California was experiencing a heat wave and we were keen to cool off. On the sandy beach in the shade we had lunch before continuing on upwards and around the edge of the canyon. Moments later we celebrated reaching the 300 mile marker.

The most dramatic moment on trail came from a stubborn rattlesnake unwilling to let us pass. The snake seemed fairly settled in a strike position. Once the group was all together we ventured on up the terrain away from the snake to then dip back down to trail once safe. This was our first encounter with a full sized rattle snake.

Once we hit the twenty mile mark our feet began to ache and fatigue was threatening to take over. At each stop we rallied, sharing our discomfort with one another to push through. Eventually we descended the canyon and arrived at our destination: Deep Creek Hot Spring. 

It was busy given it was a weekend and a popular tourist spot. The spring sits next to the river flowing though the canyon which we had been following for most of the day. A rock pool separates the warm water from the rest of the river and irredecent trees at odds with the barren land bookmark the river. The hot water was welcoming and instantly soothed our aching muscles.

After our dip I had to dig out a stone which had got lodged into my foot. After my minor surgery, we had dinner, barely needing to use our head torches as the moon was so bright. For the first time since starting the PCT the heat of the day was not lost with the setting of the sun. Sleep could not come quick enough.