  |
FastHiker
Member
|
    
I believe Saturday was my first hike over 20 miles since 2005. Given the temperature and the high humidity under the trees it was a bit much, about 9.5 miles too long.
I hiked the Skyline to the Sea Trail from Big Basin Redwoods State Park to Saratoga Gap, junction of 9 and 35, and back. According to the trail signs it was 15.8 miles each way.
I saw a deer and what I assume was a coyote. This is the first time I've seen a coyote in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
That last time I did this hike I returned by way of the Toll Road. The Toll Road is much nicer, can't hear the cars on highway 9, but it's longer so I stayed on Skyline to the Sea this time.
I took an extended rest at the Waterman Gap Trail Camp and Saratoga Gap. I meant to look if Waterman Gap Trail Camp has water. I assume it does.
The best part of the hike is between the headquarters and China Grade road. This is the only section of the trail that isn't along side highway 9 or 236.
Fortunately, most of the hike is in the shade. Under the trees it was quite humid. Out in the open it felt like an oven.
Anyway, my body gave out at the 22 mile mark, Waterman Gap on the return trip. After that it was mind over matter. My body wanted to stop but my brain kept moving it forward. The last 9.5 miles (3+ hours) were hell. I was so glad when I got to China Grade and later when the trail signs said there was less than 3 miles to go. I nearly died when I came to a sign that said I had 4.2 more miles to go until I realized it was in kilometers.
Need more exercise during the week before I try another 30 mile hike.
Between Saratoga Gap and that rest stop on the left side of highway 9 there is a sign for Long Ridge Open Space. The trail goes off to the right, as you are hiking toward Big Basin. I'll have to see where this trail goes sometime. Didn't there used to be a boy scout camp down there somewhere?
|
Total Posts: 256 | Joined Nov. 2004 | Posted on: 4:43 pm on May 18, 2009 | IP
|
|
| |
|
Bay Area Hiker Discussion Board
Big Basin Hike
