Placed: March 2007
Placed By: Wanda & Pete for WWW (Formerly known as Chuck and Amy)
Location: Borrego Springs, San Diego County, CA

In Search of La Llorona Clues (Written by Wanda and Pete)

A desperately needed waterhole in the high desert along the PCT about 4 days walk north of the Mexican border if backpacking, or a near drive-by for those equipped with wheels.

When Chuck from CT first told us he had a box we could plant for him on our recent trip to CA, we were quite excited to find out it was "La Llorona", the one who weeps, as Wanda remembered singing a hauntingly "picante" song about that "Crying Woman" many years ago while studying at Cemanahuac in Cuernavaca, Mexico. We'll leave it to Chuck to tell the story behind the song and the box on his webpage. Meanwhile, we thought it would be appropriate to put this box out in the high desert of Southern California, just west of Anza-Borrego State Park, at one of the very infrequent springs that Wanda had to depend on while backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail three times through from Mexico to Canada in the 1980s and 1990s.

The spring we chose to plant the box near is called Barrel Springs, appearing almost like a concrete miracle amidst greenery after many miles of dry twisting trail. On the PCT northbound in the 1980s it literally required 26 miles of waterless backpacking to this wonderous spot from the last water source in Chariot Canyon and another long stretch to the next water source in Aqua Caliente Creek. (Nowadays, apparently, backpackers can get "rehydrated" at a little water stand set up in season near Scissors Crossing!)

Anyway, to get to Barrel Springs the quick and easy way, just head south from the Pacific Crest Trail crossing on S-22 between Borrego Springs and Warner Springs. Follow your ears to the surprising source of splashing water. ("La Llorona" is usually crying buckets.) From the water spout on the south side of the water tank, walk about 45 steps southwest to the remnants of a huge blackened fallen tree, then walk another 45 steps southbound along the erosion gully path to locate a large standing tree about 12 steps to the left. Facing that tree, find a rock with flatter top than most, at the base of the boulder pile, about 6 steps to the right of the tree. Look under that big rock's western side to find "La Llorona", covered with bark, weeping in the dark. Please rehide her with care and respect for this very special place!

Hope you enjoy your travels through California!

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