Day 97 to 108

Day 97: PCT miles 1727 to 1738

Our last morning in Ashland. We had an excellent breakfast at Morning Glory, by far the best breakfast place for the PCT. A quick stop at Safeway for the resupply and we were done. We had a ride arranged for 1:00 so with time to kill we hit up Standing Stone Brewery again for lunch and libations.


It felt good to be back on the trail and even better because we only had to go eleven miles. The cloud cover was low and as it got dark they descended all around the campsite. Had to set up shelters to stay dry.


Day 98: PCT miles 1738 to 1766

A beautiful morning thick with low clouds. The vegetation along the trail was damp and the air was cool. I am really enjoying a break from the heat.

The trail was mostly wooded with a few open grassy areas. Not much to look at but easy to walk. Despite this, my feet were hurting by mile 20. I struggled a bit for the last six miles but this is nothing new. My feet and legs hurt every day, it just comes with the territory I guess.

Day 99: PCT miles 1766 to 1792

Today was the first day of huckleberries, I am very excited for more. DC and I also took a four mile side trip for lunch at Fish Lake Resort. The mosquitoes have suddenly become quite ferocious. There were warnings that this next section would be bad and they are true. DC escaped to his tent quickly and I put on long pants, long sleeves and a headnet.

DC pumping water

Cool ski hut

Day 100: PCT miles 1792 top 1818

Today went by quickly. There was a 20 mile section without water, however due to my lack of food, the extra weight was fine. Heading into Crater Lake tomorrow and I am curious to see what it looks like.

Day 101: PCT miles 1818 to 1842

The morning started out great with some trail magic before the side trail down to Crater Lake. Lighting Rod, who had to quit the trail earlier this year due to foot problems, was doing trail magic. We were in heaven with local craft beers and lawn chairs in the parking lot. Afterwards, he drove us to the restaurant in Crater Lake and bought us lunch! This is what really helps me to have renewed faith in human kindness.

Crater Lake

DC and I got our resupply boxes at the store in Crater Lake, did laundry and took showers. We had a 27 mile stretch coming with no water and we wanted to make a start that evening. After getting water and making dinner we hiked the rim of Crater Lake until after dark. Despite the shower and laundry, I was reminded of that scene from Star Wars where the heroes are in the trash compactor. Han Solo says "What an incredible smell you've discovered", yeah that smell was from me.

The rim at sunset was awesome and we really enjoyed the hike.

Day 102: PCT miles 1842 to 1867

Finished the waterless stretch and then filled up for another 16 mile waterless section. The landscape was pretty dramatic, especially with thick clouds in the sky. Had thunder a few times but no rain or lighting nearby. Camped at 7500 feet, the highest point on the trail for Oregon and Washington.

Mt. Thielson

Day 103: PCT miles 1867 to 1890

Actually got rained on today which was a nice change. It only lasted a short tome but was quite enjoyable. The trail has been very flat and this makes it much easier to hike. Unfortunately, my feet do not agree and are protesting. DC and I are camped next to Crescent Lake tonight.

One of the original PCT trail markers

Crescent Lake

Day 104: PCT miles 1890 to 1920

We got into Shelter Cove Resort for our resupply before noon. It seems that the resorts in Oregon are similar to California, crappy. They did have frozen pizzas and pot pies though. After recharging the phone and picking up resupply boxes, we headed back to the trail. There has been thunder for the last few afternoons and this continued. We got hail and rain to keep things interesting. We are staying in a ski cabin for the night where it is warm and dry.

Diamond Peak

DC making a tuna can stove

Playing chess at Maiden Peak ski hut

Maiden Peak ski hut

Day 105: PCT miles 1920 to 1950

A long day today with many mosquitoes. They seem to be in patches, but some patches are 20 miles long. There are cool lichens hanging from the trees.

Day 106: PCT miles 1950 to 1982

Today was a long day and we didn't finish hiking until dark but the Three Sisters Wilderness is pretty cool. We passed through an obsidian field as well as other volcanic areas. Water was plentiful and the mosquitoes were only slightly annoying. All in all, a good day.

sunset

Day 107: PCT miles 1982 to 2007

We rolled into Big Lake Youth camp to pick up our resupply boxes today. Although it was tempting to stay for dinner, we had a mission: get to Bend to continue the brew-hike. Bend has a huge number of breweries and we wanted to check some of them out. So, after resupplying we hiked to Santiam Pass and I managed to get us a ride to Bend from some day hikers at the trailhead. It is 40 miles to Bend, so not a short hitch. But the guys were really nice, they even gave us beers to drink for the ride. DC had a friend in Bend who let us stay at his place (Thanks Ian!) while he was out of town.

sunrise

walking through lava fields with the Sisters in the distance

We hit up 10 Barrels brewery but couldn't continue with our brew-hike due to low tolerance for alcohol. After one flight of 10 tastings, we were both done and ready to sleep.

Day 108: PCT miles (0)

Another zero day, how awesome is that? This was not planned but we are having a great time in Bend and it is hard to leave. We are trying to get a ride back to the trailhead tomorrow but may end up just standing on the side of the road and hitching. Time to get back on the trail.

Day 89 - 96

Dear Folks, this is a repost of this blog entry. The first one mysteriously disappeared after a couple of hours.

Day 89: PCT miles 1597 to 1606

Morning miles usually go by fast unless it is a town day. Especially if you are expecting the trail to be mostly downhill and it turns out to be mostly uphill. This is exactly what happened today but I made it to Etna none the less. 

Jawbone, Freckles, DC and I got a ride pretty quickly and our first stop was a restaurant and the second was the brewery. After that DC and I checked into the hiker friendly Alderbrook Manor where we showered, did laundry and used the computer. 

After another trip to the brewery we resupplied from the local grocery store and got ready for the next section which looks to be short and sweet.

Day 90: PCT miles 1606 to 1622

Six of us got a ride back to the trail from the owner of the Alderbrook Manor. This section of trail, section Q, is supposed to be very beautiful and so far I am impressed. We entered the Marble Mountain Wilderness with an overcast sky, perfect for hiking. Wildflowers and springs are abundant and the mountains are lovely. There was some excitement as we passed two fairly angry rattlesnakes but no incidents occurred. Which is good because we had just met a hiker in Etna who had been bitten the day before. I guess the snakes come out in the warm weather.

Daniel chillaxin in the back of the truck

Just 55 miles to the next resupply in Seiad Valley and then its goodbye California and hello Oregon!

This lake was full of salamanders

Day 91: PCT miles 1622 to 1648

 

After going to bed last night and getting settled in as the rain started, I noticed an orange glow through my tarp. I poked my head out and saw the second best sunset of the trip. I scrambled out to take some pictures and enjoy the light show.

Today found DC and I continuing through the incredibly beautiful Marble Mountain Wilderness. We took a side trip to climb the Marble Mountains and then bushwhacked our way back to the trail. I really like this area and will definitely come back again.

Slow Bro and DC

Day 92: PCT miles 1648 to 1668

The 16 miles into Seiad Valley was downhill and went quickly. It was back to playing dodge the poison oak at the lower elevations. Passed by a few homesteads with State of Jefferson signs, apparently some people around here want their own state as they feel underrepresented by the California state legislature. It has actually made it on the ballot for a vote.

Be that as it may, Seiad Valley is a small town. The store, restaurant and post office are all one building and that is it for the town. There were quite a few hikers here, eating and waiting out the heat. The climb out of the valley is 5000 feet and exposed to afternoon sun. DC and I ate and did our resupply and ate some more. There was a nice swimming hole nearby as well.

Grams attempting (and failing) the 5 lb pancake challenge

Around 6 o'clock we made our move and did the climb out of the valley. The timing was perfect and we got to the top of the ridge in three hours. We are now camped next to an old lookout building with an amazing 360° view around.

Day 93: PCT miles 1668 to 1692

Hiked all day, too tired to write much. Lots of wildflowers and little springs.

Day 94: PCT miles 1692 to 1717

We finally made it out of California! That is one long state and as much as I love it, I am glad to be done. There is less than 1000 miles and I have a feeling that Oregon and Washington are going to go by quickly.

Border Party!

Staying at a campground tonight and it is super windy. In fact, I have to set up my shelter as a wind block so I can sleep. Haven't had wind like this for about 1100 miles.

Day 95: PCT miles 1717 to 1727

As both DC and I ran out of fuel there was no coffee for breakfast. I also had run out of water so breakfast was a couple of bars. Excited as usual to be heading to town, this time for a proper rest. We met up with Slow-Bro on the way down and ended up having breakfast together at Callahan's. The service was ridiculously slow but we were in no hurry so no problem.

After that we got a ride into Ashland with Ghost Angel's husband and are currently staying at the Ashland Hostel.

The brew-hike continues with a stop at Standing Stone brewery. Actually, multiple stops there. I hit up a local wine bar to try some local Oregon wines and the Caldera tap house is on the itinerary as well. It is important to drink as well as eat our calories, I have nothing extra left and I don't want to lose any more weight. At least that is the excuse.

Day 96: PCT miles (0)

A full zero day! I haven't had one in 800 miles and it feels great. I have a massage booked for this evening and I am continuing to tour Ashland's excellent selection of restaurants. 

The people at the local outfitter, The Ashland Outdoor Store, went out of their way to help me with my air mattress. I had pulled the valve out yesterday and they replaced the whole pad for free! Very cool and I got a replacement pair of Darn Tough socks for free as well.

Day 76 - 88

Day 76: PCT miles 1336 to 1344

Chester was a very nice little town. I finally managed to update the blog at the library. D.C. had a friend come visit so we had lunch and then a ride back to the trailhead. As we were in no hurry we did not get hiking until around 2:30.

The next eight miles went pretty fast as we walked by fir, pine and cedars. Found a great spot to camp at the north fork of the Feather river.

Day 77: PCT miles 1344 to 1357

Entered Lassen Park today, which has quite a bit of geothermal action. I had to check out the terminal geyser as well as Boiling pond. Neither was as cool as their names led me to think but still interesting none the less. I had my first bear siting of the trip, it was a smallish blonde colored black bear that ran away as soon as it saw me.

Stopped at Drakesbad guest ranch with some other hikers for a very filling and tasty lunch. It seems that along the trail, the places which have ranch in their names are nice while those with resort are trashy. The guest ranch was great with free showers and a hot spring fed pool which I took advantage of despite the heat.

Terminal Geyser

Camped next to a river with D.C., Red, Smokes and Daniel.

Day 78: PCT miles 1357 to 1374

Took it easy today, only 17 miles. But for some reason, I hiked it straight through without a break. Had my second bear siting early in the morning. This was a large, light colored bear that was ripping apart old logs looking for grubs and insects. It either did not notice me or didn't care but ignored me as I watched through the trees.

Made it to the campsite by two and immediately jumped in the river. It has been quite warm this past week and I am happy to cool off when I can.

There is a 30 mile section of trail coming up with no water. Trying to be a bit strategic so as to minimize the amount of water to carry. The plan is to hike a few more miles into Old Station tomorrow and rest for most of the day, then in the evening start the 30 miles. Hike for 10 to 15, camp and finish the rest in the morning. I think this will work out well, I still will carry 5 liters.

Day 79: PCT miles 1374 to 1391

Spent the majority of the day at the store of the Hat Creek Resort eating and watching the world cup quarter finals. It was a great way to stay out of the 100 degree heat and fortify for the night hike. D.C. and I finally dragged ourselves out at around 4:00 and hiked the three miles to the water at Subway Cave. After walking through the cave, which is a lava tube, we filled up our water bladders and headed up to the Hat Creek Rim.

Despite the name, there is no water near the trail for 30 miles and it felt like we were back in the desert again. The trail winds through sage, is exposed and hot although not too hot as temperature cooled. I saw my first rattlesnake in about 800 miles as well as many lizards and rabbits.

resupply frenzy

The hiking was quite nice as the sun set and we continued by moonlight for a couple of hours.

DC

Day 80: PCT miles 1391 to 1411

The last 20 miles of Hat Creek Rim were not as fun as the first 10. Despite getting on trail by 5:30 the heat and sun made walking less enjoyable. I basically did the entire 20 miles without stopping just to get it done before the day got really hot.

Fortunately, D.C. had a friend who picked us up and is letting us stay at her house. We were brought over to another house for wine and barbeque, I was pretty stoked. We were also able to clean up and resupply at the local Safeway store in Burney.

Day 81: PCT miles 1411 to 1424

After a nice breakfast (thanks Carrie and Frank!) and a trip to the PO for D.C., we were dropped back off on the trail. The good part was that we only had 12 miles to walk, unfortunately we did them during the hottest part of the day. These are the highest temperatures of the trip and today reached above 100 degrees. Hot and sweaty hiking but we did get trail magic twice. The first was at the Wild Bird Cache, which is one of the nicer caches of the trail. They even had a solar shower set up. The second was with the pop-up trail angels. Chef and her husband treated us well.

So it wasn't all suffering by any means, though it was nice to finally reach our destination at Burney Falls State Park. The falls really are spectacular.

Burney Falls

Day 82: PCT miles 1424 to 1447

Beautiful day today, the temperature was not too hot. Climbed back up to 5000 feet and I just watched the most impressive sunset of the trip so far. An incredible view from the campsite.

Day 83: PCT miles 1447 to 1476

Hot day but we were mostly around 5000 feet so it was not more than the low 90's. There were a couple of nice views of Mt Shasta but for the most part the trail went through brush and forests. It was easy to put the head down and hike.

Camped with D.C., Crusher and Ridgerunner at the Ash campground next to the McCloud river. A lovely place and I arrived early enough to take a dip in the river to freshen up and cool off.

McCloud River

Day 84: PCT miles 1476 to 1506

A long day getting to Castella. I did see another bear, it was very small and hiding in a tree. Made it down to the store with DC and Dirtwolf before it closed. The market has quite the beer selection. We ended up sleeping in a field out back. Woke up to a light rain and pulled my tarp over myself to keep dry. Also picked up my resupply box, new shoes, shirt and underwear, how exciting.

pair # 3

Day 85: PCT miles 1506 to 1523

Today was warm with a steep climb. The trail was half treed and half exposed. Some of the water sources are drying up as well. Beautiful view of Mt Shasta and the crags under the moon.

Day 86: PCT miles 1523 to 1549

I was dragging all day today, my legs just felt like jelly. I guess the last few days were more tiring than I thought. Nothing to be done about it, just keep putting one foot in front of the other. DC and I did stop and swim in a lovely little lake, that was refreshing and I felt clean for a couple of hours.

California Pitcher Plant

Day 87: PCT miles 1549 to 1571

Water is becoming a bit of an issue in this section. Normally, the water sources marked on the maps is reliable but we are finding more and more dry springs and creeks. I don't like pulling water from stagnant pools but sometimes it is that or go thirsty.

The morning hours went by quickly today and I did the first 15 without stopping. That was partly due to water sources being dry and I had to keep going until I found a good one. At Hwy 3 there was some awesome trail magic. Food, drinks and an Epsom salt bath for the feet. A great way to spend a couple of hours. After procrastinating for as long as we could, DC  and I headed back up into the mountains to do some more miles. I really felt tired and dragged myself into camp and laid down for a while. I think there is going to be a nice sunset but I am going to bed, my body is telling me to rest.

Day 88: PCT miles 1571 to 1597

Another challenging day with heat an quite a bit of climbing. However, the views were beautiful, reminding me of the Sierra mountains. DC and i passed through two wilderness areas: Trinity Alps and Russian. We pushed hard to get in a  good position for our trip into Etna tomorrow for a resupply. It sounds like a cool town and I am looking forward to checking out the brewery.

I also updated the Portraits from the Trail and Selfies from the Trail pages, feel free to check them out as well.