Teri and Joe Anderson graciously host PCT hikers on their property in Green Valley, California. Their modest home hides a very large section of land affectionately called The Magical Manzanita Forest where at least a hundred campsites lay hidden in the trees and manzanita bushes. Paths wind their way through a maze, maybe more magical by headlamp at night after a few beers. Signs point the way along paths and to campsites.
I'm not sure if I was staying in Rocket Jackass or Garbelly, but it was a beautiful spot nonetheless. The Fullers stayed at Bearclaw while Justin, Snapchat, and Hatchet stayed at Work Sucks (the unemployed hiker site).
After setting up camp we gathered around the single picnic table in the middle of the back yard for dinner and storytelling. Teri's granddaughter, Faith, brought extra chairs for the tired hikers. She returned later to pick up our trash and to say goodbye before heading back to Washington with her parents. Sweet kid!
The decision to stay another day was immediate as Teri could use some help cleaning up in preparation for the Herd coming in a few weeks. We all retired early after sunset.
Other notes from the day: The hills were incredibly green and covered in vines. Trail signs had some interesting variations. It rained - a quick thunderstorm - to let us know that we were indeed in high desert territory.
A sign left by the boy scouts!
Church anyone?
Green Valley! Not Tucson's Green Valley for sure!
Just in case you run into one of the 'others' on the trail. No conflicts allowed!
I'm not certain, but I think the "Rocket Jackass" was probably painted by a PCT thru hiker from a few years back, Rocket Llama. Enjoying your trail journal. I hope to retire and hike the PCT in another 15 years, Lord and my wife willing.
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