PCT: Day 16: snakes, flowers and scorpions

PCT mile marker
PCT Day 16
Rattlesnake sighting

Once the snake had slithered into the brush we high tailed it through this area and put some distance between us and the rattler.

After the rattle snake sighting I was on high alert for the rest of the afternoon looking for additional rattlers. It was exciting, but, a bit nerve jarring at the same time. I saw two or three other snakes that afternoon just hanging out on the trail. They took off when we walked up on them, unlike the rattler who kicked back, lit a smoke and drank a martini when he saw us.

day 16 Purple flowers
Purple flowers

The high snow level/snow pack this year has resulted in more water than usual and has given us a visual smorgasbord of desert flowers to enjoy.

day 16 Yellow flowers
Yellow flowers

We initially selected a tent site that was too small and rocky. We broke one tent stake and bent two tent stakes. We relocated a few hundred yards to a better site.

After driving in the tent stakes we place large rocks on top of the stakes to keep them embedded in the ground in case of wind. (Pretty much every night!)

Big rocks are better due to their weight. I found this little fellow hanging out under one rock.

On day day 16 of our Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike, we saw so many desert flowers in bloom.  We also saw a rattlesnake and scorpions!  Oh my!
Scorpion sighting

I believe Noelle’s exact comment was “done”. We sent this feller on his way and took the rock. I found another rock that also had a scorpion under it. It was a reminder that I should use my feet to kick the rocks over before sticking my hand down there.

Between rattler snakes and scorpions I suspect we were both saucer eyed as we attempted to go to sleep.

4 Comments

  1. Gregory Fast

    When I was in Mexico, I was warned to always shake out my boots and pants in the morning before putting them on, because sometimes scorpions hide in them in the night.

    Reply
    • mcgarveysan

      Well isn’t that comforting! 🤣. We’ve been shaking out our shoes too. Even though we’re keeping them in the tent!

      Reply
  2. Ryan

    Yikes, snakes are the only thing I worry about when thinking of doing this hike. My wife and I both hate them.

    Keep up the good work and thanks for blogging!

    Reply
    • mcgarveysan

      The snakes and then the scorpion have not been a very good part. That’s for sure. It freaks me out completely! Noelle

      Reply

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