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