Rim

PCT 2018 Day 65, June 26, Tuesday.

Start mile 1374.8, visitor’s center

End mile 1407.3, then off-trail 0.4 miles to Burney Mountain Guest Ranch.

Miles walked: 32.5

The trail rises to Hat Creek Rim, overlooking lava flow below, and follows this narrow flat ridge for many miles, most of the day really, with fine views. Is this the old rim of an immense volcano, or the edge of a vast lava flow? Wifey and I pass each other a few times today, and meet a few south-bound hikers. In the distant Mount Shasta seems to float in the air. We will be able to see this peak for several weeks of hiking. Most of the lava rock on the rim seems old, weathered, and oxidized, but the path descends into jagged lava flow that more resembles what I am used to in New Mexico. Past the lava, the trail goes by meadow and park at 3k elevation, with grass full of seed heads. This is like suddenly shooting forward in the growing season. The path goes by a fish hatchery, covered with netting to prevent bird predation. The last several miles I zoom down to get to Burney Mountain Guest Ranch by 7PM, in time for shower and laundry and pitching tent and updating wifi. A package deal for PCT hikers offers all these amenities at a reasonable price, breakfast included.

Finished audiobook Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, Written By Himself, by Frederick Douglass.

Lassen Park

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.

Lassen Boundary

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.