Aqua Dulce and hostile shrubbery

There are many beautiful plants and trees on the PCT. This post is not about them.

The mid altitude range on the trail is home to several plants and shrubs that evidently sustain themselves on the blood of PCT hikers.

This gem of a shrub favors growing on both sides of the trail at the same time, forcing you to make a Scylla and Charybdis choice on which side of your body you prefer to be punctured.

This plant with needle sharp tips will relocate several feet in your direction when you’re not looking.

Violently waves branches back and forth when hikers approach.

In the San Gabriel mountains, I had an afternoon where all three ganged up on me at the same time. By the end of the day, I was ready to call in an Roundup air strike, carcinogens be damned.

To top it off, I got this warning in Guthook:

If encountering a Poodle Dog Bush, do not make eye contact. Back away slowly, avoiding any sudden movement. Do not taunt Poodle Dog Bush. Has been known to hunt in packs….

Despite the local fauna and flora’s best efforts, I was able to make it in the Acton KOA with a host of other hikers to pick up my resupply.

At Aqua Dulce, I was able to Uber off the trail to meet my family in Burbank for a lovely day and a half of civilization. Unfortunately, they flew back this morning, and back the the trail for me.

Leaving Acton reminded me of the Boise foothills back home. The trail runs through Vasquez Rocks, home to several Star Trek episodes.

Happy trails!

Ben