Oregon border

June 28

Yesterday was another killer hot day, starting with a 3000' climb up the ridge. The view made up for the sweat, however, and there were tons of wild flowers along the trail.

We stopped at 17 miles where we ran into some botanists who gave us a few beers and some cherries.

Today started a bit rainy which kept the temperatures much more moderate. I maybe coming down with a cold, which is taking all my energy. After lunch I felt better and we enjoyed more wild flowers.  We also saw a yearling bear, with a beautiful golden coat. Tomorrow is the Oregon border!

Hot Hot Hot!

June 27 

The southern sections of the PCT are supposed to be hot - the Anzo Borrega desert, the Mojave - but I never anticipated that Northern California would be hot. 

As we hiked down into Seiad the temperature rose to 103 f. and it was brutal. Both Kit and I felt our energy drain away. Fortunately we had to take off boots to cross the river several times so we were able to cool off. At every small stream we stopped to splash water on our faces and drench our shirts. Even so, it was difficult. 

We reached Grider campground after 18 trail miles and swam in a pool in the river. The next 6 miles were a road walk with no traffic; we walked 3 miles before flagging down the first passing car. 

There were 5 other hikers at the RV Park where we camped.

Back on the Trail

The wedding was a most satisfactory affair, but it's time to get back on the trail. Monday we had a wonderful diner breakfast and by 2 pm Kit and I were on a plane headed for Sacramento. Tuesday we boarded a Greyhound bus for what was supposed to be a 6 hour ride to Weed. Unfortunately for us we were stuck in Redding for 3 hours without a driver! Eventually we made it to Weed where Emory, a local trail angel, picked us up and drove us to the trailhead.

We walked two miles and camped on a beautiful ridge. We are back in the mountains!

Wednesday morning we started hiking, stopping often to admire the view and the wild flowers. This day was pretty much always at around 6300 feet with spectacular views.

By 3:30 we were at mile 1622, a great spot with nice campsites and plenty of running water. We've walked 14 miles and the next spot with water is another 8 miles. Since it's our first day out we are taking it easy and spending the night here.

Wedding Break

It's been a while since I've posted. Our oldest son married a wonderful woman last Saturday and we had a great time. 

But now it's time to get back on the trail, and I'm really excited that our younger son Kit is joining me. We'll be getting on the trail at Etna and he's hiking as far as Ashland. It's possible this may be the last time I am in better shape than my kids!

Taking a break in Denver

Hiking the PCT has gone well, but it's time to focus on our eldest son's upcoming wedding. I reached Old Station, California (PCT mile 1377) and hitched into Redding, California, where I took an Amtrak train north to Oregon to visit my father and my brother. On Thursday June 11 I flew to Denver where I was happily reunited with Dory and both sons - the family is reunited!

I've enjoyed hiking this latest section, although there have been quite a few blow-downs which slowed me down considerably. One highlight was reaching Mt Lassen and the Drakesbad Guest Ranch. It was the last night before they opened for the season. I arrived as they were serving dinner in a final dress rehearsal. I was given a glass of wine and a wedge salad, followed by prime rib and caramel cake for desert, all gratis! The manager said he thinks their guests like being inspired by PCT hikers. We followed this by a hot shower and a swim in the thermally heated pool.

A beautiful section of trail.

a random note, very sweet

A meadow along the trail

South of Mt Lassen

Ukelele playing along the trail

Passing through a burned section from a previous forest fire.

Looking back on Mt Lassen