I think I may have given you the wrong idea. There is no way, especially this time of year, that I’m even thinking of attempting a thruhike of the PCT. I know that’s what I said before I started the AT, but rest assured that, if nominated I will not hike. The PCT is a young man’s hike and takes a lot of planning, all together different than my ‘fly by wire’ approach. All I’m trying to do is scope out some small day-hikes for spring.
For the last couple of days, I’ve been playing the tourist. I stopped at the Imperial Sand Dunes and talked with two nice rangers at the visitors center. The area is playground to hundreds of vacationers with off-road vehicles. The dunes are alive with dirt bikes, quads, and buggies, all racing across the sand like ants disturbed from their hill. As long as I was there, the rangers suggested I drive down to the site of the old plank road.
Back in the early 1900’s, automobile travel between Phoenix and San Diego along the southern route was almost impossible because of the deep sand dunes barring the way. Some guy got the idea of building a wooden, plank road across the sand, enabling old Model-T’s and the like, safe passage to and from the coast. It only lasted a few years – drifting sand would bury the road every few days, making it very difficult to keep open. They still keep a piece of the road as a historical site.
I am happy to report that I’m back riding my motorcycle. I even went a couple miles on a dirt road. It wasn’t hard to get back on the bike but it has been hard to ride when it’s so cold!
That sand area you’re near is where Dad and I used to take our dune buggy. They call it Buttercup for one of the big hills there.
I remember going to see the plank road. I’ve also seen a TV documentary on it.
Watch that sand when you’re on the bike.
Glad to hear you’re not heading out on the PCT. Some short hikes on some sections might be fun.
I remember going to Imperial Dunes when Don had his dune buggy too. We camped in the sand. Fun times.
Way back when I was working, there was an “old” nurse who drove the plank road in the 1920’s. She said that it was quite an experience, especially backing up the hills in her Model T.
I second the comment to be careful with your motorcycle on sand. I heard of one guy who hit some soft sand, fell off his bike and broke his collarbone.