Rocky Tops

PCT 2018 Day 58, June 19, Tuesday.

Start mile 1206.2, flat spot

End campsite at 1231.4

Miles walked: 25.2

Yesterday I forgot to say that a new PCT re-route for a few miles was in place, but I stuck to the old route because my gps and maps had that path. The new route moved to the east side of some lakes, and encouraged motorized vehicles on the west side. Saunter passes me, grumbling about the new route, which he took. He was moving fast, not sauntering. The area here is characterized by many large rock outcroppings of crumbling rock, tall trees and thick forest, and fewer water sources. The water sources are now once every few miles, like a normal trail, not the insane concentration of once every 200 feet like in the Sierras. The day has a couple of 1k climbs, but is mostly gentle downhill or level. Where are all the southbound hikers we were rumoured to meet? Not one today. Aside from Saunter, it is only me out there.

Finished audiobook The Tragedy of Puddinhead Wilson, by Mark Twain.

Sierra City

PCT 2018 Day 57, June 18, Monday.

Start at second crossing of Milton Creek, mile 1191.5

End mile 1206.2, flat spot

Miles walked: 14.7

After a brief walk, the small town of Sierra City appears. I meet BoyscoutsWheelChair and SunriseChardonnay, southbound, at the small church that provides free camping. They say I am done with snow!

Later I meet Saunter, northbound, at the general store. The store has free wifi, and I get my supply box and buy supplemental food there, and get lunch from their grill, and leave town in the early afternoon.

From 4.6k elevation at the highway, I climb on controlled-slope switchbacks all afternoon to 7.4k, bloated from town food and with a pack heavy with food supplies I find long skinny pine cones, not the huge Coulter Pine variety, but something different. After several hours of dense forest cover, suddenly the trail gets above trees for a few miles. The trail gains a broad ridge with views, and follows for a few miles.

Rain Finally

PCT 2018 Day 56, June 17, Sunday.

Start mile 1160.8, Peter Grubb Hut

End at second crossing of Milton Creek, mile 1191.5

Miles walked: 30.7

The morning sky is overcast and dark, and with a sudden crash of thunder showers begin. As I climb, rain turns to pellet snow and covers the path. Later I climb down lower in altitude, and rain showers resume. With no sun for most of the day, the temperature is cold, and I must wear down vest, windbreaker, raincoat, and gloves for warmth, though keeping walking all day is the main way to keep warm. Toward the end of the day many switchbacks bring me down to 5k elevation, and I camp just a few miles from town, with rain against the tent until I fall asleep.

I meet Boogie, nobo starting at Donner, already thru-hiked a few years ago, wanting to do Oregon and Washington this year. I also met a couple of southbound flip-floppers going too fast to talk.

Finished audiobook The Tavern Knight, by Rafael Sabatini.