Big Sur - Terrace Creek Camp - Sykes Hot Springs
April 2012
Big Sur = Big Lessons
At 12:30 pm we began our hike on the Pine Ridge Trail in Ventana Wilderness heading to Barlow Flat Camp. After several hours on the hot sunny trail, we settled in at Terrace Creek Camp. The hike was strenuous and difficult, mostly due to the hot weather. We were all exhausted and most of us had run out of water (lesson #1). On Saturday, Mark and Stacie fished the Big Sur River (catch and release in action) and Ernie, Coral, Mike and Kim continued on the trail 5 miles to the Sykes Hot Springs. Luckily we met up with the next generation of young hikers who were willing to share their Katadyn Hiker Pro water filters (lesson #2). The hot springs were enjoyable and in beautiful surroundings. After a toast to our hike, Ernie reminded us that "Adult Swim" was over. We arrived back to camp Saturday afternoon and enjoyed dinner, a camp fire and a few beverages. Sunday morning we packed up and headed back out - welcoming the coastal fog on the trail. The entire trip took us over or under a total of 32 fallen redwoods. Strenuous miles traveled = 20. We enjoyed a nice lunch at R.G. Burgers in Carmel before heading home.