July 31 - Reese and Rocky

It's a small world. Back on April 10th while making camp at the end of a day of hiking from Agua Dulce to Bouquet Canyon we met up with Reese and his friend Howard. They were completing a southbound section and camped near us. They also camped right next to a geocache Betsy had found a few days earlier, and lo and behold Reese found it by accident! He wasn't quite sure what it was, but when Justin and I came looking for it we explained what it was. Well, yesterday Rocky and I met up with Reese and another friend, also a Rocky. Reese remembered me from my unique trail name. Today we met up again and exchanged some more information. It turns out that he knows of the Reiss's because he used to work in student services at Humbolt State College. What a small world we live in. 

Rocky in yellow and Reese on the right. 

Reese will be finishing the PCT tomorrow after thirty five years on the trail doing a section here and another there. He has mixed feelings about finishing after so many years. He doesn't want it to end but realizes it can't go on forever. I say 'Congratulations' and there must be another challenge out there somewhere. 

Tonight Rocky (German girl Rocky) and I are camped near the top of Butt Mountain in preparation for a downhill walk that will take us to the halfway marker and Chester, California for some resupply and R&R for Rocky's knees. 

Hikingsolo

July 30 - A Climb to Remember

Whitney was just plain tough, mostly because of the elevation, but also because the trail was a jumble of rocks at the top making it difficult to walk. Forester Pass was just plain scary with that snow chute at the top - one misstep and the rocks below would break you up. The ups and downs in Yosemite make it one of the hardest and most beautiful sections of the PCT. 

That said, the walk out of Belden away from the North Fork of the Feather River made me glad I had done all of those previous climbs and descents. I feel I definitely have trail legs now and can tackle some of the hardest ascents and descents on the PCT without stopping for anything but food or water. Rocky and I knocked out a 5000 foot climb in just over thirteen miles with only a couple of flatfish spots along the way. With the steady upward slope we were happy to get to the top of the ridge and find our way another 6 miles to our camp spot. Oh, and we passed the 1300 mile marker today. 

New forest to explore. 

Rest break. 

Flowers at one of the flattish spots!

1300

A diamond trail marker. Written on others today:

Infowars.com - The Fox News source for the Bernie set. 

Picturesque 

Crustacean 

Tyranny 

Hikingsolo

July 29 - Rave at Belden Town

It was not totally unexpected, but also not something you can prepare for if you don't know what it is. Rocky and I had heard rumors of a Rave happening at Belden Town from some other hikers hurrying that way. Today we confirmed it was happening as we started down the five mile four of joys and foot descent to the North Fork of the Feather River. We could hear the bass from at least five miles up the trail. As we neared town the higher notes also became clear. Once across the railroad tracks we encountered lots of non-PCT tenters - you know the kind: big and cheap; those you put the relatives kids in out in the backyard when they come to visit and there aren't enough beds. There were also lots of vendors selling everything from Artistic Impressions to skimpy swimming-like-suits. The music was EDM - electronic dance music that got its stay on the internet. Once the artist gets enough recognition they might get invited to 'play' at an event like this. There were several stages and even participants could play on one. Cost? Somewhere around $200 per person, but free to PCT hikers since we have to come through town! There's only one bridge across the river and it's our only way out. 

Rocky coming across the top of the mountain above Belden. 

Belden Resort with a Raver walking by. 

Raver with baby in headphones in front of sound stage. 

The way out. 

Raver River. 

Hiker hanging out with us. Volunteering to wash dishes for food. 

BTW - we camped a mile up trail and could still hear the music!

Hikingsolo

July 28 - Buck's Lake Night Hike

First of all let me say "Happy Birthday" to my sister Paula in Tucson. I hope you had a good one. 

Rocky and I left at our usual time to climb out of the Feather River valley on our way to Buck's Lake. We made a good decision getting to the river at the end of the day when it was hot so we could enjoy our swim during the warmest part of the day and leave in the morning when it was cool. The climb to Buck's Lake was over 3600 feet, most of which came during miles one and between three and ten. Mile two was nice and flat! 

I could see a definite change in the vegetation as we climbed to the north. The forest was wet allowing plants with larger leaves to flourish and dense undergrowth to take over. The trees were massive or stunted by lack of sunlight. There were even slugs crawling around the trail. 

Once on top of the mountain we encountered a logging operation harvesting what looked to be trees about to die. Many healthy trees were left standing. It was odd to see such an operation so close to the trail. 

Along the the way Domestic joined our party and walked with us along the PCT Alternate to Buck's Lake Store and Lakeshore Resort. We enjoyed a few snacks and some dinner before heading back to the trail after sunset. Domestic continued on into Quincy for resupply while Rocky and I climbed up a few miles in the dark to set up camp. We were visited by deer and mice along with lots of flying insects as we got our gear out with headlamps on. What an experience!

Seen written in marker on the little reflective diamond signs tacked to trees to show where the trail goes:

Call your mom!

Pride Confidence Toughness

Get it!

I can write on trail signs too

F❤️J

Rocky checking the map to see where our next water might be. 

Big leaves for a change!

Dense growth. 

Slugs!

Domestic and Rocky at lunch. 

Hikingsolo

July 28 - Buck's Lake Night Hike

First of all let me say "Happy Birthday" to my sister Paula in Tucson. I hope you had a good one. 

Rocky and I left at our usual time to climb out of the Feather River valley on our way to Buck's Lake. We made a good decision getting to the river at the end of the day when it was hot so we could enjoy our swim during the warmest part of the day and leave in the morning when it was cool. The climb to Buck's Lake was over 3600 feet, most of which came during miles one and between three and ten. Mile two was nice and flat! 

I could see a definite change in the vegetation as we climbed to the north. The forest was wet allowing plants with larger leaves to flourish and dense undergrowth to take over. The trees were massive or stunted by lack of sunlight. There were even slugs crawling around the trail. 

Once on top of the mountain we encountered a logging operation harvesting what looked to be trees about to die. Many healthy trees were left standing. It was odd to see such an operation so close to the trail. 

Along the the way Domestic joined our party and walked with us along the PCT Alternate to Buck's Lake Store and Lakeshore Resort. We enjoyed a few snacks and some dinner before heading back to the trail after sunset. Domestic continued on into Quincy for resupply while Rocky and I climbed up a few miles in the dark to set up camp. We were visited by deer and mice along with lots of flying insects as we got our gear out with headlamps on. What an experience!

Seen written in marker on the little reflective diamond signs tacked to trees to show where the trail goes:

Call your mom!

Pride Confidence Toughness

Get it!

I can write on trail signs too

F❤️J

Rocky checking the map to see where our next water might be. 

Big leaves for a change!

Dense growth. 

Slugs!

Domestic and Rocky at lunch. 

Hikingsolo

For three days all Rocky has wanted to do is to hike somewhere where she could jump in the water. The last time we did that was just shy of Sierra City at Milton Creek and it was FREEZING! but refreshing. We tried a couple of days ago and then yesterday to visit a lake, but between being infested with cows and just being swampy neither lake was acceptable. Today was a different story. 

The Feather River came after a long uphill climb followed by a longer descent. 3600 feet down in a valley is one of the nation's protected Wild Rivers. No mechanized transport to or on the river is allowed; you either walk or ride a horse to get here. 

As we approached we could see a high arched bridge spanning a beautiful River flowing over smoothed rocks with Rapids and big deep pools. Once on the bridge we yelled our hellos to GummyBear and Spike as they swan in the deep pools. We said we'd be back to join them. 

First priority was to set up camp and get our stuff together to wash. After three sweaty days on the trail our shirts were salted and our pants could stand by themselves. Socks we won't even mention because you can probably smell them from there. Once camp was set we joined our friends for a dip. They were heading down the trail but ran us through the course of where to best swim. Rocky and I spent about an hour washing clothes and swimming. She's the more adventurous, angling into the swift water for a quick ride downstream. I lounged on the rocks and took in the sun. Both of us were very happy to have our feet and legs washed. My hands haven't been this clean since Tahoe! 

Tomorrow we have to climb out of here so we'll be sweaty and dirty again in no time. However, it was good while it lasted. 

Horse people impressed with our efforts. Fancy is in the lead. 

The way across in the distance. 

Bigger than it looks. 

Hikingsolo

July 26 - Trail Trash

After over a week of almost no one passing me or me passing anyone today and yesterday stood out as a day of unusual activity. 

At the end of the day yesterday we started setting up camp only to have Gummy Bear and boyfriend Spike arrive with Sherlock, just before Mulan came in from the north. Sherlock moved on, but we saw him today as well as Sour Cream. We also saw Six, Anmei, Feldspar, and five other hikers we've never seen before. 

I know Rocky and I aren't particularly fast, but most of these people aren't either. I think they just hike from daybreak to after dark. Not me!

Today my back hurt for the fourth straight day, and there was a lot of uphill, so Rocky and I stopped at around 5:30. We set up camp, shared some hot chocolate around a campfire and hit the sack early. 

Follow up on yesterday's listening piece: at the moment there are at least a zillion tiny mosquitoes outside my tent making the most awful dentist's drill sound. It gives me the creeps, like they'll drill into my head to extract my blood!!! Rocky and I also heard cowbells today. Now that was a sound I didn't expect!

Cows with bells at our watering hole. We decided to skip the water and move on. 

More of the same: sage, mule ear, trees, and long views. 

Tents in the forest. 

Around a small campfire. 

Hikingsolo

July 25 - Crunch, Crunch, Crunch

Some hikers wear earbuds the entire time they walk the PCT. When I ask them what they're listening to the first reply with, "Huh?" Or "Sorry, I was listening to..." and then they wait for me to repeat my question. Usually I do just that and repeat myself. Occasionally I'll change the question. So what are they listening to? Mostly music from groups I've never heard of. Once in a while someone will say they're listening to a podcast, again it usually one I've never heard of. 

So what do I listen to as I walk? Usually it's the rhythmic crunch, crunch, crunch of the gravel under my feet. The birds. The sound of my hiking stick tips as they strike rock, sand, duff, and so on with the variety of surfaces I walk. I also listen for the hiking sticks or footfalls of my hiking partner, if I have one at the time. I also listen for anything unusual, like a bear or deer, traffic, trains, thunder, etc. 

Today started with me listening for people getting up in the church parking lot. There were quite a few hikers cowboy camping and tenting. I was awake at five but didn't want to wake anyone else. By 7:30 Rocky and I were on our way to the Red Moose Cafe for breakfast. We were joined by several other hikers which made for fun conversation. By 9:15 Rocky and I were listening for cars approaching from down the highway as we alternated between hitching and walking to the trailhead. A nice couple gave us a ride the last half mile or so. 

We walked steadily uphill for the next seven miles as we headed for Sierra Buttes above Sierra City. At the top of the climb, as the trail leveled out, I gave a loud yodel to let everyone know I'd made it. That scared Rocky who thought something dreadful had happened to me. She scolded me a few times not to do that again. LOL 

We're camped in the forest among tall trees now listening to the mosquitoes outside my tent. Soon I'll listen to my dreams. 

Another hiker we caught up with as he walks though the moss covered trees. 

Typical landscape at the tops of the ridges with igneous rocks, trees below, and peaks in the distance. 

Hikingsolo

July 24 - Sierra City

Rocky and I took off like a rocket this morning bent on making it to Sierra City before the store closed. She had new shoes coming and I had my hiker box to pick up. 

Along the way we stopped at freezing Milton Creek to take a quick dip before having lunch. The water was so cold that my feet hurt for minutes after leaving the water. It took some real courage to step into the deep spot and dunk my head. Rocky even helped me step across the rocks since I couldn't feel much with my feet. 

We arrived in Sierra City at about 3:00 to find we had plenty of time to get a burger, pick up our boxes, and hang out with the other hikers. 

Later we headed around the corner to the Methodist church to camp for the night. The church is keep be enough to provide a flat area and a picnic table for PCT hikers. 

Next door to the church is a public restroom with a shower - albeit a cold shower, but warmer than the stream for sure! Since it's another eight days to resupply it may be the last shower for a while. 

We are currently at mile 1195. The halfway point is mile 1313, so I'm excited about this next segment. Just another 118 miles to make it halfway to Canada, and I haven't even left California yet!

Rocky is playing poker with the other campers while I'm writing. In the morning we'll have some breakfast and she'll mail a package before we start the 3000 foot climb up into the mountains with heavy newly resupplied packs. 

Rocky, Gummy Bear, Rattlesnake, Politics (look carefully), and what'shisname. 

Hikingsolo

July 23 - Rocky Reunited

This part of the PCT is somewhat repetitive in that the scenery is unchanging: dry forest with tall trees and little undergrowth followed by open slopes with sage, lupine, and mule ears. Not much rock is showing. The trail is very nice with either composted vegetation or small gravel and sand, or a combination of both. At the end of the day my feet are black from the rich earthy dust. 

While having a lunch of tea and crumpets (hard salami and cheese on triscuits) a friend showed up. Rocky joined me for a little lunch and then we walked and talked to our common destination to camp. We are fairly compatible hikers in that we aren't fast enough to leave the other behind, nor slow enough to annoy the other. 

Our camp spot was taken by two other backpackers, not thru hikers, but they invited us to stay. They had hiked in folding chairs to make their camp more comfortable. His old trail name was Chairman, for obvious reasons. By the end of the day there were another three hikers here. That's a lot for a site that has no level surfaces. Every tent is on a slope, but I don't think anyone will complain since its miles to the next spot. 

It's funny that i didn't take many pictures today. I guess the scenery was just a bit underwhelming, with one exception....

Hikingsolo

July 22 - Donner Pass, Yummmm!

Once again another climb to start the day. At least it was cool and breezy. Once the climb was done it was time to walk the narrow ridges. The wind was so cold blew so hard that I donned my long sleeve sweater, jacket, and gloves. At times I had to take off my hat and clutch it in my hand, even though it was tied on, lest it fly away like the ravens. I imagined a short ugly man trolling the bottom of the lee-side cliff collecting articles of clothing, mostly hats, and selling them at the swap meet. "Can I get $45 for this gently used Tilley?"

The ridges finally led down to another ski area at Highway 40 and Donner Pass where I rested for a few minutes before walking the four miles to Interstate 80, also at Donner Pass. The path led under the freeway and to a side trail to the rest stop. I made lunch on the picnic table and answered nice inquiries from passerby. Then it was off to climb yet another pass to reach my camping area near the Sierra Club's Peter Grubb Hut. 

Frankly I think I could have thought of a better name for the hut. Really!Peter Grubb was at Donner Pass? Was he dinner? Or just invited for dinner? Or maybe the last hiker or skier to come in for the night was dinner. I can hear Peter now, "Here comes grub through the front door. About time. I was getting a little hungry for some fresh meat."  

Joking aside, the hut was pretty magnificent. It was really neat to see that the main entrance was on the second floor. Same with the outhouse. When I entered, George had a fire going and his stuff spread out in the main downstairs room. The hut was pretty rustic, but has to be cozy in the middle of a snowy winter. One of the side rooms had long benches made of a single hewn log. 

I decided that the mosquitoes and mice inside the hut were not for me so I proceeded a short way down the trail to camp with the mosquitoes and flies, but not inside my tent. Yay!

Walking ridges in the am. 

Under I-80. 

Peter Grubb Hut. No one was for dinner when I got there. 

Two story outhouse. 

Picture in winter. 

Stocked for winter. 

The way around. 

George. He was hanging there because he was tired after spending a day trying to find his way back from a remote area. 

Another view. 

Hikingsolo