We covered 12.6 miles, 20.2 km today. Once again the day was mostly downhill, on nice level trail. We had originally planned to walk 16 miles, but after a couple of really nice breaks on the way, we decided a shorter day finished off with a swim in the creek would be better.

The first section of trail climbs out of Holcomb Creek, and after about an hour we arrived at a nice spot for breakfast. I made my usual oatmeal and used the second to last slice of dried kiwifruit I carried all the way from Julian.

After breakfast, we walked along a wide plateau covered in flowering manzanita bushes. As we walked we got a view of mountains far off in the distance. After eating those burger patties, and carrying only about a litre of water, my pack felt so light I barely knew it was there.

The track descended to Holcomb Creek once more, and we spent a couple of hours following the water. The trail crossed the creek a few times and we enjoyed the cool air and shade. During this section we crossed paths back and forth with a few other hikers who were doing a similar pace.

We climbed out of the Holcomb Creek and spent another couple of hours walking along high ground with views into the distance. The trail was a little rockier and more overgrown here than it was earlier.

The trail then descended into the Deep Creek ravine, which we will be following for the next couple of days. I reached a bridge over the river, and could hear people below. There is a great swimming spot here, and we’d arrived just in time to catch the last of the warm sun and enjoy a swim in the fresh water. We’d found our camp spot for the night.