The day of our trip I wanted to get an early start; I was really excited to get there and my friend Christine would be joining me for her first backpacking experience, so I wanted to leave enough time to take it easy if necessary. After a 6 am start time we coasted into Carmel around 2 hours later and noticed that there were a massive amount of people blocking the 1, the only road to our destination. We had arrived just in time for the Big Sur Marathon! After some confusing directions from unhelpful traffic cops we discovered a waiting area for a convoy that would let us pass by while the marathon was still in progress. I was allowed a small amount of relief, but the lack of cellphone reception made me a little worried for my sister Erin, who was waiting for us on the other side of the marathon. As usual, it was alright in the end and we arrived at the trailhead an hour and a half later to see Erin waiting patiently in the parking lot. Now it was go time!
Emilio, Christine, myself, Sayyed and Erin ready to get going!
The first part of the hike in was a really steep uphill that was thankfully most in the shade. We were hiking in on Sunday so we were happy to see all the groups of fellow nature lovers on their way out.
A large burned out tree with Erin for scale.
The boys setting the pace
View looking east towards a peak that we weren't getting anywhere close to :(
The creek crossings on this trip were some of the most fun and harrowing. Keeping your balance on a rotten redwood trunk with a 30lb bag on your back is not easy. Christine crossed that creek like a pro!
We made it to camp (5mi) fairly early and did our best to relax. Unfortunately spring time next to a wooded creek in California equals bug heaven and we were nearly driven crazy by the kamikaze bugs that attacked our faces. This trip later prompted Erin to give Sayyed an Xmas gift of a bug net hat.
He was stoked (not kidding).
The Ventana Wilderness is maintained by a group of volunteers who I am very thankful for because they really have their work cut out for them. Since this hike is so close to Santa Cruz it is a favorite of college students and just about anyone seeking nature. Thus, by consequence not everyone follows the rules of "leave no trace." There were lovely "toilets" at each campsite that were severely abused by the spring break crowds from the weeks before our trip; some of the campsites were littered with toilet paper. Beautiful redwoods with tp circling the base is one of the saddest sites I've ever seen.
After we set up camp and relaxed for a bit we decided to hike the 5 miles to the coveted Syke's hot springs, the real reason for our visit.
Feelin' sassy in the heat
Erin showing us how it's done
Erin and Sayyed enjoying one of the three hot spring pools that were along the hillside above the creek. The other two were occupied by naked hippies. :)
The view above Sykes hotsprings
Hiking out on our second and what would be our final day.
Day Three: Representing Osprey!
The gang in action
We set up camp early and as we were cooking dinner, Sayyed accidentally spilled freshly boiled water on his foot. We didn't want to take any chances with infection since he is diabetic, so like seasoned pros we quickly packed up and hiked all the way back out. The moral of the story: don't wear water shoes when cooking dinner!
Dates: 4/28/2013 - 4/30/2013
Location: Ventana Wilderness: Big Sur
Trail: Pine Ridge Trail
Distance: 20 miles
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