Today was a great day. Covered 12.8 miles, 20.5 km and climbed 3661 ft, 1116 m. Almost all day, we had clear and well graded trail to follow, and views which just got better and better.

Starting out, we climbed quickly from the creek bed. A fairly steep climb, but very rewarding. We could look back down after half an hour, and see the creek already a long way below.

The trail takes us over a spur, and around the mountain towards another fork of the washed out creek. We continue sideling around the mountainside, avoiding occasional washouts and windfalls, before climbing over another spur. From here we can see that the riverbed in this fork looks absolutely horrendous, it is full of huge boulders, and massive fallen trees which appear to have burned.

The trail briefly drops into the mess one last time. We hop over boulders and navigate fallen trees, carefully stepping over gaps and between chunks of gravel.

Once out of the creek, we climb gradually towards a water source spring, which also has picnic tables. Here we enjoy lunch and filter water for a 16 mile carry plus dry camp. This means carrying 5 L, and also drinking as much water as possible before leaving.

After lunch we continue our climb, out of the burn affected land and into healthy forest. The trail reaches a high saddle, and we get one more view of San Jacinto fading into the distance.

Further up the ridge, we arrive at camp maybe a little later than expected. We quickly set up, make dinner and settle into bed.