Agua Dulce (PCT Day 33)

Today we leave the Acton KOA at around 8 am. It’s a steep climb upward in the sunshine. Sweat soaks my back as I dig in my feet, determined to beat the heat. 

We crest the hill then hike along the golden hillsides. It reminds me of Eastern Washington. Brown dusty soil, and golden grass. 

Several miles in we hit a tunnel that goes under the highway. Chef is sitting inside. We join him and pull out our snack bag. The air is cool in the tunnel. It runs for about 50 yards. It’s full of creative graffiti. We sit in the cool air as several other hikers arrive. When we finish snacking we move on.

Popping out if the tunnel we find ourselves in Vasquez Rocks. Large slanted rocks jet from the ground in layers. We are in awe at the scenery, thankful for something new to look at. the rocks provide refuge for birds and we can see their nests nestled in the cracks of the rocks.

The rocks go on for a couple miles then dump us into the town if Agua Dulce. We walk the street into town, and meet Chef for lunch at a local restaurant. 

The restaurant is a small building with a couple tables outside. We sit down and review the menu. It all looks delicious and we feel good about our decision. I ordered a avocado burger and coleslaw and lemonade. Lupine got a chef salad and fruit. It was all fresh and delicious. A perfect way to wait out the heat of the day.

After lunch Lupine calls the Acton post office, but can’t get through. We have a food box there of resupplies that we would like to forward further down the trail. She tries several times but can’t get through. So we order an Uber to take us in person, then another to come back to Agua Dulce. 

Eventually we get back on trail and hike about 4 miles, camping before a large 1,500 ft climb. We will leave that for tomorrow.

The little valley we’re camped in is full of birds noisily chirping and fluttering around our tent. Still full from lunch we skip dinner, and watch the gnats collect on the outside of our tent.