Author: Jim, Sagebrush

PCT 2018 Day 64, June 25, Monday.

Start mile 1343.8, campsite near Boundary Spring

End mile 1374.8, visitor’s center

Miles walked: 31.0

The trail goes through an active geothermal area. Terminal Geyser belches continuous steam. This brown bear was exploring stumps for grubs and insects. It was reluctant to move for me, and only went a few feet off the trail for me to pass.

Boiling Spring Lake gave off a lot of steam in the morning. Several hot springs were near Drakesbad Resort, where I did not stop. They have a pool heated from the hot springs. The PCT apparently misses many volcanic features, only skirting the edge of the park, but what I do see is pretty hot stuff.

Next to this lake, Lower Twin Lake, I see another brown bear on the trail, and this one was quick to retreat when I made noise. I exit the park, so no backcountry camping in the park, which requires a bear canister. Wifey (Canada) and I pass each other several times today, but we both end up at the Fill-up convenience store in the tiny town of Old Station and camp at the nearby forest service visitors center. We hang out for a while at a picnic table, eating dinner, and having a good chat. He will try to make it to Burney Resort (not state park, that is later) because they have a special package deal for hikers. That is 32 miles away, a challenge to get in early enough for a shower and laundry. Hmmm.

Finished audiobook Not George Washington, by P G Wodehouse.

PCT 2018 Day 63, June 24, Sunday.

Start town of Chester, then get a ride 7.5 miles to PCT mile 1328.8

End mile 1343.8, campsite near Boundary Spring

Miles walked: 15.0

I have been missing a good diner breakfast for a while, because I often need to leave a town early to walk during cool temperatures. Today I do not need to walk many miles, so first I went to the Kopper Kettle in Chester. Yes, chicken-fried steak breakfast, Cairn.

Afterwards I got a ride from the highway patrol back to the trail. Yesterday some other hikers said that police gave them a ride down from the trail, so I was not too surprised. The officer was quite knowledgeable about the PCT, and does trail running in his spare time.

My plan is to walk to the boundary to the Lassen National Park and camp, and then walk across to the exit boundary tomorrow. Lassen requires a bear canister to camp I park backcountry, and like most PCT hikers I sent mine home already. Some hikers argue you could camp at the for-pay campsite, which has bear boxes, and that rangers do not bother PCT hikers, but I will use my plan.

The day is quite hot, and I am glad to camp early. I was passed by two nobos, which had not happened in many days. I spent extra time in the tent, taking refuge from mosquitos and other flying critters, to do some equipment repair. How did a dragonfly get inside my tent?

Finished audiobook The Kipling Reader, by Rudyard Kipling.

PCT 2018 Day 62, June 23, Saturday.

Start campsite at mile 1312.8

End mile 1328.8, highway 36, then get a ride to Chester 7.5 miles away

Miles walked: 16.0

More volcanic rock formations decorate the landscape. Mid-morning I reach the marker for the midpoint of the trail. At Hwy 36 Lizzie and her owner give me a ride into the the town of Chester. Lizzie just came from the vet, and is feeling fragile, so gets to ride (drive) up front. A couple of affordable motels in town are closed, so it is impractical to zero. Instead, I camp at the Lutheran church backyard for free, and resupply and snack, and will head back on the trail tomorrow after breakfast. Other hikers at the church are Celtic, Redbeard, Woodchuck, and a couple more, most sobo.