Today I covered 12.4 miles, 20 km. The day started with a hard climb, followed by a very long and gradual descent into Chimney Creek. When we got there, we meet Jim, a trail angel who has been giving trail magic and cooking meals for hikers for 10 years.

The day starts with a big climb, in just 4 miles, 6.6 km we gain 1644 ft, 501 m of elevation. For the first hour or so, the trail is under tree cover with a fairly gentle grade. There are also a few streams under the trees so I keep going until the last one before filling up with 3 liters.

Once out of the trees, the climb becomes steeper and more exposed. In the distance, more craggy ridges appear and once again I’m reminded of the fact that there are some big mountains ahead of me.

It takes 2 – 3 hours to reach the top of the climb, from up there we get a view right out east into the desert. Just a couple of days ago we were down there in the sweltering heat, and it still looks just as hot from up here.

The trail then begins descending at a very gentle grade. On this side of the mountain there is more tree cover and I feel like I can make good time down the trail. A heavy pack helps here.

Further down the descent I look back up the trail at Sawtooth Peak, it’s an appropriate name but must be a pretty big log to cut. Down here there is good tree cover in places, although I can still feel the air warming up as I get lower.

At the bottom of the descent, just before the campground, I see a gazebo above the scrub and a ute parked up nearby. This can only mean one thing. Once I get closer I see about 10 hikers sitting under the gazebo. The man in charge is Jim, and he’s cooking chili for everyone. We all hang out, chatting about the trail and also Jim’s experiences in his 10 years giving trail magic to PCT hikers. Once Jim finishes cooking up the chili, we all get a bowl full and it’s delicious.

After filling up at Jim’s trail magic, everyone heads to Chimney Creek campground to set up before it gets dark.