Hiking - 2016 PCT - Day 121 to 127

Early morning trip to the post office. Unfortunately package 2/2 from home either got lost in the mail or hasn't arrived yet... I was still able to retrieve my bounce bucket and also managed to ship off all remaining resupply packages for the rest of the trip.



Hitch seemed to take a long while, but in reality only took 20 min.  It's a busy hwy where lots and lots of cars passed by before someone camping at a lake near the trail crossing stopped to give me a ride.
Just a few miles from the road I reached the 3,220 kilometer mark (that's 2000 miles for the folks over here!) After the milestone I wound around the back of a beautiful mountain with red rock veins through it before finally finding a spot on a protected ridge with a great view of Mt Jefferson.



Woke up to a brisk morning but got going fairly quickly. Another beautiful for rested section even if it was a little cold most of the morning. I stopped for lunch by a great creek fed by the snow melt of Mt Jefferson.

Strolled into Ollalie Lake for a 'quick' stop. Mad Dog, an Oregon native who had planned to hike the trail but had to hop off due to injury, had an esky full of beer ready to share. So the quick stop before another mile or two turned into 3 hours and camping by the lake, setting up after dark...

Had an amazing nights sleep and pumped out the miles for the day. By mid arvo last nights activities did seem to catch up but I still managed just over 30 miles for the day. Filled water from an awesome flowing spring coming straight from a rock and found a good site to camp soon after.

Had a shorter day to make it to Timberline Lodge to relax and wait until the following morning for their famous breakfast buffet. Lot of steady but easy elevation gain as we approached Mt Hood.

The last 2 miles on Hood itself were on glacier crushed rock that was basically sand. Uphill on sand with all the gear in my pack crainy worked the calf muscles.



After setting up camp just shy of the lodge I went in for a late lunch and a few beers with some other hikers. It was well and truly dark by the time I went back to camp but a half moon and clear sky made it easy. Only a few sparse trees to cast a shadow as we were basically at the tree line.

There was a 200 mile relay race starting from the lodge... so the an announcements for the starting times got me up nice and early.for the breakfast.  Well 5am... 2.5 hours before breakfast was served. Gave me plenty of time to pack up and enjoy the free cofree in the lodge.

Breakfast exceeded already high expectations with everyone getting more than their fill. Most hikers were pretty lathargic after the feast, raking the opertunity to sit on comfy couches and use the available phone service. I took the time to find my second package and arrange to have it sent on.

By that time it was time for the lunch buffet but only one other hiker and I partook. Didn't get as much value as I did at breakfast but with roast pork, beef and the desserts I certainly got my money worth.

After a short recovery I hiked out for a 'mostly downhill' day. Don't believe that, ever, when a hiker describe the next section. Up and down the valleys carved into Mt Hood saw us climbin almost as much as descending. Along the way there were some beautiful views and near the bottom of one valley Ramona falls was a great reward.

We followed the Eagle creek trail down some very steep sections and beautiful forest. There was also 15 falls/creeks in a 12 mile stretch. Highlight was Tunnel Falls where there was a shot 10m cave you could walk behind the falls.



Made it into Cascase Locks late afternoon and joined a few hikers at the Ale house.  Tracking on my new shoes was still saying that they were in transit but thankfully they had arrives.  Stayed at Shreks house, a trail angle in town.
Will hang about for the day as it's probably the last descent town I'll be close to on trail. For now hanging around in a hammock and having a nice cold beer is a good way to pass time.

Hiking - 2016 PCT - Day 114 to 120

After a quick retrieval of my battery pack I had left to charge over night I started the ascent up a volcanic rim to the absolutely amazing Crater Lake.

By the time I made it to the cafe up the top the first morning shuttle (which left the same place I did) pulled up with the first load of tourists. Luckily they went through the gift shop/cafe first and I had the viewing platform almost to myself!



Crater Lake was incredible. Dead flat so it had an awesome reflection  of the towering sides. Deep clear blue water making the rock ledges under the surface pop out and really made me wish I had dive gear. The lake can get down to 0°c though... so might need that dry suit...
The trail made its way along the eastern rim for about 11 miles. Part of a 26 mile (!) dry stretch, I thought I left those behind in California! It went quick though with easy elevation and I made it to a great camp spot under Mt Thielson with daylight to spare, which lit up the mountain in a beautiful deep red. Went to wash my socks in the creek but it was so cold I decided to put it off to tomorrow.

Got onto the trail fairly early and it wasn't long before I passed the highest trail point for OR/WA. Seemed rather low compared to Forrester Pass in the Seirras. As I cruised past the 3000km mark with most of the rest of the day downhill the miles seemed to drop almost as fast as the mozzies game enough to land on me.

One water source was 0.4 miles off trail down a bit of a steep slope but the reward was clear cool spring water. Took a little long to look for camp and with the setting sun settled for a flat-ish spot I had to clear just past a horse camp, with a nearby swamp. Bombarded by Mozzies and by myself I think it's the quickest I have ever set up and got in my tent.

It was a fairly easy morning into Shelter Cove for an early lunch. I was plannig for a quick turn around but the lake called for a swim as did running on the big rolling logs they used as a marina boon. The hiker hangout sucked me in for a bit too...



I managed to leave late afternon with some other hikers and find a nice place to camp by a lake. There was a nice breeze to keep away mozzies too. The wind also died off right at bed time so it didn't get too cold.
Another easier elevation day and even with a couple of swims in the beautiful (and not freezing cold) lakes I still managed a big day. In the middle also came across a coupleasant of trail maintainers so I took a go on the saw to help hem out a bit. It really is hard work and they deserve all our thanks!



Today I passed really close by the southern most of the Three Sisters mountains. Three volcanic mountains with beautiful red rock. We also passed through a lot of obsidian rock and by a surprisingly strong waterfall fed only by a spring. Snow melt spring though or it would have made for a really good shower.



The day started out hard as I was walking through volcanic ridges and valleys. Loose volcanic rock crunching under foot and making every step feel like two. I felt like I should have been carrying a ring, or a hobbit or something.



In the end though I made good time to the road and ended up getting a lift into Sisters by a husband who came out to trail magic his section hiking wife. Arrived to some bad news though as the PO wasn't open for pickup (despotent online info telling me it would be)... so I couldn't get at my bounce box.
Sunday was spent gathering supplies for the remainder of the trip. This may be the last town with actual supermarket to buy food in. Another night in luxury here before accessing my box, sending it on and getting back onto the volcanic rock!

Hiking - 2016 PCT - Day 105.5 to 113

After letting the amazing breakfast from the Seiad Valley Cafe digest we set off up the hill. We didn't make it very far before finding a swimming hole some locals had clued us in on. I'm not sure if the water was warmer or it was just so hot in the valley sun on a steep climb but I managed to stay in for at least 3 min before seeking out a sun bathed rock to warm up on.



We had dinner near the top of the hill but decided to push on past the last water for camp. Looking over my shoulder as I hiked I was treated to an awesome sunset, you'll have to wait for the photo album to see. Pulled into a camp a little later than I would normally like but found a good spot and cowboy camped under a beautiful stary sky.

Made great time in the morning to cover the remaining ground of California. After hanging at the border for a long lunch I moved on but only made it 0.5 miles before breaking again due to trail magic.

After learning about some local bugs, mostly which type of wasp/bee is likely to sting me, is was time again to move on. With the additional down time I was once again hiking with a beautiful sunset back drop. Got to a hiking shelter near a road just after dark to find it occupied by car campers but plenty if nice flat spots nearby. Little windy making it cold but it dropped off later unto the night.

Quick 10 miles to Callahans where Burrito and I had lunch with his GF's Aunt and Uncle as they dropped him new shoes. After lunch they gave us a ride into Ashland to meet some fellow hikers for a few drinks. While watching the setting sun.



A few turned into a few more and the next day which was meant to be a day of chores turned into a day of sleep and rest. We did manage to make it to an all you can eat Indian and the cenima for a movie but not much further was completed.

The following day we were much more productive. Snacks had a friend in Ashland lend us her car and we were able to do all the shopping, including a gear store and 3 separate shops for food (organic food? I need something more for trail...)

The chores took most of the day and despite plans to fit a few afternoon miles we ended up at an English pub for an early dinner. Didn't quite make it back to the trail but at least I was able to have a real pie!



We woke up fairly early but with a slow pack and town breakfast only managed to get to the trail at about 9:45. Like most trail towns this was by way of hitch and it was fairly easy to get a ride up by sticking out our thumbs near the on-ramp.

Found the fairly easy terrain promised for Oregon and despite the late start still managed decent miles for the day. Burrito stayed back in Ashland with some other friends and Snacks and Moonshine stopped in at nearby stop for coffee mid afternoon, so for the first time in a while I camped solo.



Started the day strong but in just 1hr15min I hit my first trail 1magic. Stopping to chat and enjoy an ice cold drink took a while but I got moving again... for another hour or so. Then I hit the second. Another cold drink plus some corn chips, fueled up I took off again.
Pumped (caffenated too) for the rest of the day I once again set off. It took a while 1.5 hours for the next magic to appear. I thanked them but pressed on for lunch, wanting to cover some ground. After lunch I was only moving for 45 min before the 4th, fresh apples and cold water.

Stayed and chatted while enjoying the apple but pressed on soon after only to make it an hour before seeing a magic sign. I passed it up, thinking I already had my share for the day and in less than 15 min saw yet another one, the fancy fake flowers and well decorated sign didn't draw me in and I was able to keep moving.

Found out later that the flower sign went to a 'costume party' thrown by past PCT hikers and had everything a hiker could want... including table service! It was ok though as when I was 20 min from planned camp there was one more round of magic I happily partook in. All in all 7 (seven) trail magic offerings today. Oregonians really are trying to show up Californians!



Looking at the day ahead it seemed like it should of been a pretty easy one. However it chose to stary with almost half of the days elevation in the first few miles. Add to that a significant number of downed trees to go over, under or around.  I couldn't go 50m without a tree across the path.

The elevation eased off quickly but the number of downed trees did not. The constant breaking of rhythm or bushwacking around really made the pace quite sluggish. A 14 mile dry stretch (so carrying a bit of water) didn't make climbing over them any easier.

I actually found the trees fun though. Climbing on them, walking along them. Vaulting over the lower ones. I also helped 2 lost groups of hikers find their way home. One group had a map but started at the wrong trailhead and were completely turned around. Got them on the right track. Other group were day-hikers and they were peaking so I walked them (~1.5mi) to a trail junction that would lead them back to their car. I offered to walk them all the way, but by that time they had calmed down a bit and were feeling ok again. Really good feeling.



Despite all this there was still so much beauty in the forest. Great big volcanic outcrops and the rock fields looked amazing. Even after getting up he mountain and looking back the forest still looked lush and thick, you couldn't see any evidence of all the fallen trees.
I managed to drag myself to a position to make today easier. 22 miles with no water (unless you head off trail for ~2.5 miles.) I filled up my bottles the night before so I could get an early start. Made milo and then quickly set off, eating bfast on the move, to cover some ground in the cool of the morning.

More fallen trees blocking the path and some pretty significant burn areas but with easier elevation I was able to cruise into Mazama Village early afternoon. Store is great (except beer selection) resonable prices and hold hiker boxes for free. Might check out the resturant for dinner.

Hiking - 2016 PCT -Day 97 to 105

Had a good sleep in then left over pizza for breakfast. Had a late checkout from the hotel so mulled about in the aircon before heading over to the post office to send on my bounce bucket. Grabbed lunch then back to the Best Western to check out.

Far too hot to hike out, apparently, so we left our packs there and had milkshakes at a diner. Eventually took a lift to the trail and managed to start hiking just on 6. Was a short 1.4 miles to the 1500 mile marker and another 4 or so to a creek to make camp.

Spent most of the morning winding up a hill near some awesome rock formations. Was also in the shade of the mountain so it was cool and I was able to hike with my hat off.



Day went by pretty fast and despite lots of climb pushed on for a 29.5 mile day to camp between Deadfall lakes. For dinner we were treated to a beautiful sunset with an orange reflection in the lower lake. Family hiked in a few miles from a nearby trailhead and made it hard to get to sleep, but eventually went down for the night.

Beautiful morning at the lakes made getting up easier. Day felt easy too as there wasn't much climbing. Was worried about some of the water so ended up carrying too much most of the day, but with a food bag half empty it was OK.  Better with too much than not enough.

Recieved some much appreciated trail magic just before a climb at the end of he day. It felt kind of weird as the PCT had snaked around and the sunset was off to my right (i.e. I was heading south.) Couldn't help but feel that it was counter productive to my end goal...



More water again. Nothing on the Seirra Mountains but enough that I'm not carrying more than 1lt at a time, which is nice. Especially as all the climbing that should have been spread over the other days all seemed to get crammed into today. Loose rock and a side slant on the trail added to the difficulty.

Before Shasta I must have been in between bubbles, I have met 16 (sixteen!) new through hikers in the last 2 days. Tonight at camp there is 12 people, quite a bit different to solo camping.

Got to the trail head mid - morning and got a lift into Etna from 2 guys who were on a 3 day hike to some of the lakes. After a good lunch I hit up the Hiker Hut but all the beds were taken so I got a tent space. Still nice shower and a chance for laundry.

Was getting new shoes delivered too, but as it took the online store 4 working days to even process my order I had to wait until about 3pm the following day. Still a nice place to chill and town food is good too! Also gave me the chance to sow up my Driza-bone sock guards that are falling apart and bleach my water hose which got a little bit of mold.

Some friends decided to hang about and rest their feet/repair gear so we all hiked out about 5pm and got a few miles in before dark.



Saw a very small bear cub, no bigger than a teddy bear you can barely win on a rigged game at the Ekka. Little concerning as I didn't know where mum was... Luckily there was a few people nearby so we stuck as a group for a mile or so.

Quite a bit of up and down today and some more awesome crystal clear lakes off trail. Ended up camping next to Paradise lake, a spring fed and surprisingly not freezing cold lake. Some went for a swim but I just cleaned my feet/legs.



Despite 2 decent climbs it was an easy day of mostly gentle down hill. As we descended into he valley it did start to get a bit hotter but there was an awesome big triple trunk tree providing shade for lunch.

Camped just short of Seiad Valley, the next resupply, by a good creek. I went for a 'bath' in the water but only lasted about 5 seconds actually submerged. Opting to wash clothes and just splash water to wash arms and legs. Mozzies got really bad late afternoon as well and got a decent drink before being squished so a few red spots to wash off in the morning...



Woke up early to get into the Seiad Valley Cafe to watch Snacks attempt the pancake challenge. 5 pancakes made with 1lb of batter each. He got 2 down before feeling sick and struggled with 3/4 of the 3rd before conceding defeat.

Will resupply in the limited stock store here to last the 2.5 days to a larger town, Ashland. Only 1.5 days from the California/Oregon state line!!

Hiking - 2016 PCT - Day 92 to 96

Got some news last night that yet another hiking friend has pulled off trail, to rethink if they'll continue. Apparently it happens a lot on Northern California. After the abundant beauty and water of the Sierras coming down into the dusty, dry and hot NorCal desert knocks a few people about.

I'm more concerned that the cold in Washington will have that affect for me and wreak havoc on my motivation there. Only one way to find out though,  hike on!

Today did feel a little toasty when hiking on an expose piece of trail. Luckily there was at least patchy shade most of the way to Burney Falls state park. Beautiful falls but it was a bit funny to see a few guys fishing for trout in it.



I delivered myself a box here so I was able to pick that up at the store and supplement with a few snacks. Also grabbed a soft drink and icecream to wait out the midday heat. The visitor centre has a nice shade shelter with power and free wifi so it was a good place to rest up.

As I got in late to the ranch and had to do chores before bed I was up much later than normal and certainly felt. Feet sore before lunch, pace slowed and a decent climb ahead I made it to the first water stop before deciding to find camp for the night.

Felt much better in the morning. The day was mostly shaded and a breeze made it a pretty decent temperature to hike in. It still had its own exposed sections though...



After a good nights sleep I was able to go past the planned camp. It meant a heavier water carry as I had to camp dry, but I made dinner at the last creek to save some weight and headed up to a great and fairly protected spot right atop a high saddle. It felt good to get the climb done, despite the feet finally starting to feel sore again with the heavy carry.

Shale rock, dusty path, hot sun and only shrubs with the rare pine tree today reminds me very much of the first few days of hiking. With one notable exception; The distinct lack of hikers. To give you an idea of the attrition rate by this point (or at least support the theory that a lot of hikers skip NorCal) it took nine hours before I saw a fellow Hiker, nine!

At the start I was seeing 20 different people by lunch and even in the Seirras I was seeing 10-15 PCT hikers a day. I know there are people close (2 planned to camp 2 miles ahead of where I stopped and 1 was going to camp where I made dinner) but there is certainly more solitude on the trail now.

While there is less people to split the bugs with, other wildlife is more abhndant too. Heaps of deer about some with really big antlers. I was also very excited to see my first Bear!! As soon as he saw me he bolted off so I wasn't able to get a picture. Not a full grown but certainly bigger than a cub.



It was almost an instant change into for rest and creeks again after a few hours of hiking. Didn't see one north bound PCT hiker all day. Path is most definitely greener here. Overgrown undergrowth covering the trail. Warning in the area about poison oak near trail so I was keeping an eye out at first... though not 100% on what it looks like.if I hit some I'm not affected by it.



Made it to the next stop though and got a lift into Shasta city where some friends arrived in the morning. Will take the day to recharge and resupply. The people in town are really proud of their untreated spring water. Miraculous apparently, tastes ok I guess...



Great dinner out with hikers before a good sleep. Big breakfast before shopping and then a KFC bucket for lunch. Easy afternoon now and will probably watch the new Bourne movie tonight before getting back to the trail tomorrow.

Hiking - 2016 PCT - Day 82.5 to 91

Turns out it was a hot day in the valley and with an impending few thousand foot climb out of town a nice after lunch swim sounded like a better plan. Water was quite chilly and going from the hot rocks in the sun to the water and back was very similar to a Snow - sauna run.

Eventually though it was time to move out so I got everything together and got back to the trail head. The climb was still long and hot so I was glad I was tackling it in the arvo. Stopped just before a nice spring with flowing water at a site with a few tent spots fashioned into the hillside.

Lots of mozzies again, like collect a dozen with the swing of a hand lots, but for some reason they went biting. Buzzing alone was enough to force me into my tent and after the huge burger for lunch and other food while still in town it was only some snacking on salami and MnM's for dessert before turning in.

Despite snow patches being few and far between now the lakes up here are still very impressive. A few I Hiked way above had some boats cruising around in them. Mostly fishing boats but I did see one wake boarder being towed and a few jet skis.



Today on the hike I bumped into a couple of really cool guys. They Hiked the AT previously and pulled out 1100 lbs of rubbish!! during their hike. They got some recognition for it from some gear companies and are able to be out on the PCT doing the same thing. I personally saw them carrying almost 10 lbs of sharp broken glass, not a fun thing to hike with, until we came across a road and they were able to pass it onto helpful passers by.

Check them out if you have the time. Packing it Out



It was another long day but about 70% downhill, great right? Except for when it's steep down. Anyone who hikes or bushwalks can tell you that steep down takes it out of your legs as much as up works the lungs. It also didn't help that every so often there was a gap in the trees and you could see the massive hill you had to climb just on the other side of the valley...
When I got to the valley floor there was an awesome river with great swimming pools and some rapids to simulate a massaging hot tub, but without the heat. I went I  for a quick dip and took the chance to wash pants, socks and my shirt. Most other people had the same idea as it's been a while since South Lake Tahoe and there wasn't much opportunity in Seirra City.

Throughout the day I also reached another milestone, 2000 km!! Unlike it's mile counterparts it wasn't quite as grandeur but it made do.

Despite the blister I was determined to make it close to the next town, Belden. Was going a little slower than 'normal' and took some longer breaks. The blister has made me put more weight on the ball of my foot, so after long stretches I feel that a bit. Despite that I still managed to squeeze in just over 25 miles, making it 3 consecutive 25+ mile days!

Made camp in a nice saddle just a few miles short of Belden. Little bit if wind (and no water source) meant no bugs and good shrubbery protected the tent from any gusts. I had to go a bit off trail to find it, and do a little bushwalking to get there, but I thought it was a really great spot.



Took my time in the morning before making the trek down the hill to Belden. Not a while lot in town; Population of 12, No wifi or phone reception either. Luckily I had mailed myself food here from Tahoe. I don't think I could have Resupplied for the next 4.5 days in the campground kiosk.

The above said they do put on a decent meal and let hikers charge electronics for free. Ice-cream was welcome in the heat of the valley too. Some hikers jped in the river but I decided to shell out the $2 for a 3min hot shower... 3 of. Also took the opertunity to do an actual laundry load. When all was said and done (waiting on batteries to charge was the longest) I barely made it out before nightfall.

I was hoping to make it a bit further yesterday... but as it was I had a very long, but fairly gradual, climb. Luckily there was lots of water along the way so I didn't have to carry much. There was also quite a few Survey marks and bearing trees to keep me distracted. This part of the trail seems to follow very close to a boundary.



Eventually made it over the hill just after lunch and started a nice gradual descent for most of the rest of the day. Nearing the end of the day I crossed a dirt road with a small camping area to find a pile of ice with a few cans of coke left and a note saying they were for thru hikers. Looks like they were setup for the day and by the state of the ice I must have just missed them.

The next day started off as.many seem too... uphill... However today had a fairly special milestone at the top. The Midway Point! On the final climb I also met with Overhill, a fellow Hiker, which worked out well for photos. Next to the post someone had left some whisky for the celebration, I wanted to do a lot more miles so only had a small sip.



The remainder of the day seemed to drag on for a while though it was a pleasant downhill grade. Near the HWY to Chester (a lot of people went in for resupply) was also some more trail majic. Fresh bananas and cold orange juice, yum. Feet started feeling sore in the last hour or so, it's been another 2 long days in a row.

Great creek at camp so I soaked the feet until they went numb from the cold water, which only took about 1.5 minutes. Got them nice and clean and when feeling returned they actually felt kinda good.

Big plans to do a big day and it started off well. Then there was a side track to a geyser, only an extra 0.6 miles. Definitely worth it. Heaps of steps and you could see the water boiling out of the ground. Could have done without the sulfur smell though...


Next distraction was Boiling Point Lake a beautiful torqouise geyser fed lake. Steam coming off it as well and lots of warning signs not to jump in for a dip in the boiling hot water... Despite how great a nice hot bath sounded I heeded the signs and just took pictures.



The third distraction for the day was a little camp resort called Drakesbad. Cold soft drink and a beer with the plan to stay for a buffet style lunch. When asking about the lunch I was condescendingly told that they serve their "actual" guests first, staff second and hikers last.
I guess it makes sense, we would eat more at this point but as a paying customer I didn't feel like hanging around for the slops. After beer the afternoon miles fell a little slower but it's put me in a good position for the next two days. There is a dry stretch before Burney and I should be able to make it to a camp at the last water tomorrow, then knock over the dry miles the next day.

Very cold morning so it was a bit of a later start. With the day mostly.flat or gentle.down it was easy to knock over some fast miles. This gave me the chance for another cool side trip to the 'Subway' a lava tube about 700 meters long that you can walk through. Smaller than the ones at Undarra (sp?) bit very cool to walk through!



Back into a drier section again meant big water carries. Food getting near the end so it's not as bad as earlier carries. One of the water sources, Lost creek, did involve a very steep side trail to collect from though.  Ditched most gear at the top but doing a scramble with 5 lt of water wasn't fun at the end of an already long day.

The day started a bit cold again with a chilling wind but knowing I was headed for town I was able to break camp by 7am. It heated up fairly quickly as the day went on and the breeze came and went. This section reminded me so much of outback QLD. Dry brown grass and red dusty soil. In fact remove the scenic snow capped mountains of Lassen and Shastre from the horizon and replace pines with gums and other prominent trees with wattles and you would be hard pressed to tell the difference.



Along the rim was a pretty famous (by PCT homer standards) 'cache 22' which certainly rose above expectations. Even if you shouldn't rely on it... There was plenty of water but also snacks, first aid, toiletries and even a solar panels to recharge at!



After the cache there was another 13 miles of long, hot, exposed dryness. I stopped to take a break and lucked out with phone service. The temp was just over 30°c, not bad for the middle of summer when the breeze was on. When checking Facebook I discovered that Brisbane was experiencing 29°c, middle of winter. No wonder I'm not feeling the heat too bad over here!  Might need someone to drag me out of my tent when it starts snowing in Washington though....
Made plans to stay in Burney but it was all booked so I back tracked 1.5 miles to the Guest Ranch. Worked out very well as there was only 2 guests and 2 full racks of ribs for us to share. Free home made Ice-cream; showers and laundry inc in price. Onto Burney Falls for a swim tomorrow and to pick up a box I mailed myself.

Hiking - 2016 PCT - Day 76 to 82

A day of chores in South Lake Tahoe,  grocery shopping, replacing the backplate in my SMD pack, visiting the post office, laundry... it almost feels like hard work! On the plus side in my travels today I bumped into plenty of people that I haven't seen in a while.

After a big day running around I felt as if I hadn't rested and decides to take another day off. Efforts to invigorate hikers on the idea of water skiing failed as most of them were tired after big days or had chores of their own. Plus South Lake Tahoe is an expensive adventure town for those type of things so it wasn't cheap. $65 pp for 4 hours... if we got 8 people... and then fuel on top of that!

Revitalised by town I was ready to hit the trail again. Free bus the length of town before sticking out my thumb for a hitch. It didn't take long before I was back amongst the trees and beautiful lakes.

I calculated that with the remain zero days I'm likely to take I need to average 22 ish miles a day to finish when I want to. They say after the Seirra Mountains it's easier to consistently pull off big days. 23.5 miles later, including a small pass, I was at a camp feeling fine and actually thought about doing more. It helps that I no longer have the bear can or micro spikes and especially that I am back into my SMD pack. The day after the recent 26+ mile day still fresh in mind had me decide to stop for the day though.

Had a cold night sleep. I think mostly due to a nearby waterfall throwing some mist into the air. Still made really good time and crushed 24 miles by 530pm. Passed some cool views of South Lake Tahoe today but I think the moss covered trees etched it out for beauty.

The camp site I reached had heaps and heaps of dry wood around. Normally too tired or late to make a fire but tonight I felt good and had some spare paper A4 map sheets that needed disposing of so it made sense to make a fire. It's also apparently a good way to lure other hikers to site should you want company.

Turns out there's still a few mountains and passes to conquer, and 2 of the passes were today. Lots more moss.covered trees and views abound. At one point you followed along a ridge for about 3 miles with near 360° views the entire time.

Eventually made it to the Peter Grove hut and after a long day it was a welcome site. A nice hut like the ones in the Vic High Country that hikers can seek shelter for the night. When I arrived 1/2 was occupied by a 10 strong group of summer camp children (+3 camp councillors.) They were making a big batch of bean and rice burritos and were happy to share with a thru hiker!!

Some of the kids were pretty interested in my accent and the hike I'd been on and the councillors did a good job of running interference when I needed to organise bed/gear for the night. As I had just got a fresh resupply from home I also had some spare Tim-Tams so I was able to give the kids a taste from home. The councillors had to split one but all were thankful.
The hut also had a long drop, well it was more of a looong drop. First time I have seen a 2 story outhouse.

The miles seemed to drop quickly and breaks were cut short due to bugs (Mozzies at the first stop, flies at the second and stoners at the third) so I made the planned camp just before 4pm. Since it was so early I pushed on and made my first 30 mile day! 30.8 to be exact. Still had time to see some good views and find some survey bearing trees and corner marks, recently marked up with fresh flagging tape.

Despite feeling good about the achievement I'm not sure I'd like to do too many long days. I did find myself looking just at the path 1 meter in front the majority of the time. Some people only see the finish line, which is fine, but I want to see everything on the way.

An easy few miles into Sierra City to a friendly little General store with free wifi, charging station and a Pound burger for early lunch. Selection in the store is a little slim but enough for a resupply. Soon as batteries are recharged I'll hike on.