Today I left California behind. After 3 months and 1 day I am now in Oregon. I signed the trail register, took off my pack, took out my phone, powered it on, took two pictures, powered down my phone (remember I have no charger), put my phone away, got on my pack, and began to hike now into Oregon. Next stop is Ashland and a stop at Christy & Marcus vacation home. Also I’ll be taking a much needed zero day. So much to look forward to.
Almost down to having less than 1000 miles to go.
No picture (later inserted one off the internet from: Following the PCT: Dorothy’s (Bacon Bit) Thru-Hike). My solar charger died and I sent it home. My blogging will be greatly curtailed for the time being until I get a new charger in Ashland.
Sheesh! What is happening to my poor left foot. My feet are so important on this hike. It started on the very long descent into Belden. I got a blister on the outside of my left heel. Then a few days ago I noticed a blister on the top of my left big toe. Maybe this was from the gaiter’s hook. Then tonight I crossed my legs and the heel of my shoe opened an old scab on my left ankle. I’ve got bandages and antibiotic ointment on them all. Sheesh!
A few days ago as I hoofed it quickly to Old Station I met a hiker. His trail name was “Nobody’s Friend”. We chatted for a few minutes, but I had to get going so off I went. Then two days ago as I was going into Burney for my resupply I again met “Nobody’s Friend” as he was returning from Burney and his resupply. Later that day I arrived at Burney Falls State Park only to find “Nobody’s Friend” camping there. We spent several hours talking before it got dark and we went to our tents. The next day I headed out early while “Nobody’s Friend” was packing up. At the end of the day I found a campsite and set up my tent. A bit later “Nobody’s Friend” arrived and we camped together. Today we agreed to do the same distance and camp together again. He’s a very nice guy and we have things in common, for example, our age.
Here is a selfie with “Nobody’s Friend”.
Each day as I hike I get closer to some things and farther from others. In this case Mt. Shasta is getting closer.
Now that I’m past Mt. Lassen it is on to Mt. Shasta. This was taken from the Hat Creek Rim, a high plateau of volcanic rock.
From Justin’s Blog: The Rae Lakes Loop
The July Fourth weekend is upon us and the weather has gotten very hot. Here is the crisp dry grass of the Hat Creek Rim and the shadeless trail as it proceeds ever northward. I quickly resupplied in the Town of Burney then immediately got back on trail to get to Burney Falls State Park for the night. There I got a shower, but had to dry off without a towel. Also I switched to new undies. My clothes have not been washed since South Lake Tahoe and are absolutely filthy. However there hadn’t been an easy opportunity to do them yet.
They, the miles, seem to be going by quicker now.
