Day 92 - Ashland Day of Rest

Thursday July 16

I was sound asleep last night at 10 PM when the phone rang. Who would be calling?  It was Willie! He had left Callihan's at 10 AM yesterday morning, hiked all day and was in his tent. He is doing well. His doctor said it was OK to keep hiking and the numbness in his leg was common in people carrying backpacks all day. It was good to hear his voice; I just wish the call would have come a week ago. It looks like I will be two days behind him for a while.

I had breakfast again at the Morning Glory restaurant. Their French toast with fresh blackberries and lemon butter was superb!

I contacted the taxi service and arranged to be picked up tomorrow at 6. I need to put in a 25 mile day tomorrow in order to get to Crater Lake by Monday afternoon. 

I felt antsy all morning, so I decided to walk downtown. I noticed several hair salons were open with the sign, "walk-ins welcome". 

The Sunshine Salon had an opening with only a half-hour wait, so I waited to get my hair and beard cut. I guess I won't have to hack at my beard after all! 

Mary was the stylist who helped me. She did a wonderful job and was very interested in my through hike. I really like her and the staff at the salon! I hope you like my new look as well.

I had lunch at the Stone Brewing Company. Their cheese burger, sweet potato fries and double IPA beer was wonderful. 

I decided to sit by the pool at the motel because it was a beautiful warm day. At the other end of the pool was Windscreen! He had decided to take a "zero" day and was staying at the motel.

In addition, Hog and Tinker were here too!  We lounged there until dinner time, when we all decided to have dinner at the Stone Brewing Company. We were joined there by Magic and Poka-Dot. The food and beer were great!

I had their fish and chips, which were really tasty. However, by the end of dinner I realized that I had too much to drink. I even left the restaurant without my hat! Fortunately, Windscreen grabbed it and the mile walk back to the motel helped to clear my mind. 

Tomorrow I am back on the trail. It has been a fun time in Ashland!

Note: you can read more about Mary, my barber, at: http://ashland.oregon.localsguide.com/mary-brooks-hairstylist-sunshine-salon-16

Day 91 - Ashland

Wednesday July 15

A town day is so energizing and at the same time worrisome. I love getting clean and enjoying town food. On the other hand, there is the uncertainty about getting to town and finding a place to stay. Perhaps that is why I couldn't sleep very well last night. 

I ended up last night stealth camping in the woods because I couldn't find an established campsite along the trail. It was windy until dark and then calm but cool. I had to wear my wool cap and my down jacket. I also had to set up my tent because it was wet from dew from this morning. During the night I heard snapping branches and chewing sounds near my tent. Perhaps because it was so quiet that I heard all of these noises. 

I was on the trail at 5:15. It was easy hiking and I got to see a ruby-red sunrise. I didn't know it, but I have been traveling in the Rogue River National Forest. The Rogue River flows by the town of Gold Beach, the city where I was born. I also got a nice view of Mount Shasta.

I caught up with Windscreen and we hiked together for the morning. We reached the highway at 8 AM, and walked to Callihan's resort. Waiting there was Caboose and Cut-Finger. They were trying to hitchhike into Ashland, but there was very little traffic. Cut-Finger called the taxi shuttle and we all got a ride to town for $18. By the way, I heard that Willie was staying at Callihan's. Hmmm. 

In town, we all decided to have breakfast at the Morning Glory restaurant. The breakfast was fantastic. I had a sausage omelette with spinach and cheese.

I checked in at the Ashland Motel which was next door to the restaurant. I did my laundry and showered. I called my son Paul, who plans to fly down with his friend Nick to Crater Lake to meet me on Monday afternoon. That should be exciting! I really look forward to it! I just have to average 25 miles a day to get there on time!

This afternoon I walked to the local sports supplier and bought food, sun gloves, and sunglasses. My sunglasses broke last night, and my sun gloves were starting to fall apart.  

I also got snacks at the local grocery store. Dinner was at the Mexican restaurant just up the street. The burrito and beers hit the spot. 

Tomorrow will truly be a day of rest. My feet will appreciate it! 

I have been looking for a barber shop, but I can't find one, unless I want to go to a hair salon. I guess I'll just have to use a razor and my scissors to try to trim (hack at) my unruly beard!

I am currently at PCT mile 1726.5. 

Day 90 - Oregon!

Tuesday July 14

I stood there, filled with emotion - joy, gratitude, relief. I was overwhelmed as tears came. I looked up. The sign said, "Oregon / California".

I knew I would reach Oregon when I got on the trail this morning. It was 14 miles, a long way to hike. It was foggy in some places and chilly in the wind. I must have walked right passed a bear, because another hiker a few minutes behind me got a great video of the bear on the trail. 

I know I was getting close when I passed an old building just above Donohue Meadows.

In the middle of a steady climb, I saw the sign and trail register.

As I continued into Oregon, I kid you not, clouds and fog closed in. For a while the fog was really thick. I've heard that the trail in Oregon is easier, and most hikers see their first 30-mile days here. Of course I've already seen 30-mile days several times already!

I plan to resupply in Ashland. I needed to do enough miles today so I can reach Interstate 5 where I hope to hitch a ride into town. 

I am camped tonight at PCT mile 1718. I hiked 34 miles today. The elevation here is 6,459 feet. 

Day 89 - Up 4,472 Feet

Monday July 13

As I lay in my tent on the lawn of the Mid Mountain RV Park in Seiad Valley, I felt uneasy about the upcoming hike. The trail climbs steadily to the top of the ridge, over 4,400 feet, in less than eight miles. I climbed a similar distance when leaving Belden. However, that climb was done over the span of 13 miles. This was a more aggressive climb. 

I left at 5:30. The trail follows the highway for a mile before heading up. There was fog hovering over the valley, which was good, because this climb is very exposed and can be extremely hot in the midday sun.

I liked the fact that the trail headed up all the way, and the early morning fog kept it cool. I passed Cut-Finger and Caboose about halfway up. I reached the top by 9. It's always exciting to reach the top and know a major climb is complete!

The trail followed the ridge-line of the mountains. I forgot to check for reliable sources for water, but was carrying over two liters. Fortunately, a small spring was still flowing, so I got an extra two liters so I could dry camp tonight.

Several places along the trail had beautiful flowers. They look like daisies to me.

By early afternoon my feet and legs were tired, so I camped. I had stuffing with sausage, Fritos and olive oil for dinner. With all that, it still tasted bland. Anyone have ideas to perk it up with something that is lightweight and readily available?

Now for some comments about gear. I wish I could have found some lightweight camp shoes. I didn't bring any. After hiking all day, it would feel so good to get out of my hiking shoes and into camp shoes. In addition, being able to quickly slip on shoes at night would help with bathroom breaks. Lots of hikers bring clogs or sandals. Willie had a trimmed-down pair of slippers that were lightweight and quick to put on. 

I am camped at PCT mile 1685.9. I hiked 23.8 miles today. The elevation here is 6,247 feet. 

Day 88 - Seiad Valley

Sunday July 12

I camped last night at Marble Valley. There is an old boarded up ranger station here and a nice creek, where I got water for the day. I got on the trail at 5:30 and walked through the talus slope under Marble Mountain. Some rocks were the size of a house! I understand that the rocks in these mountains contain calcium carbonate. Many of the rocks are weathered, since the rocks slowly dissolve in acidic water. There are many caves here. The largest of the caves is Bigfoot Cave, which is 12 miles long and over 1000' deep. I didn't have time to explore, but there was a small cave beside the trail. 

I decided that I would hike as far as possible today, because Seiad Valley has a small grocery store and a cafe. In addition, it would be nice to hike out of Seiad Valley when it is cooler since the area is known for its very hot weather. The only problem is that Seiad Valley is over 30 miles away!

The trail followed the ridges and then began a drop to Seiad Valley, a descent of over 4,000 feet. The trail passed through some areas with wild rhododendrons and some areas with fire weed. 

The last 6 1/2 miles into Seiad Valley involve a road walk. I decided that if I could get to the road before 3, that I would keep walking. I arrived at the road at 2:30. 

Halfway through the road walk I spotted the bridge over the Klamath River. 

I arrived at the Mid River RV Park at 4:30. The area for PCT hikers was packed, but I found a good spot for my tent. I got a shower and picked up my resupply at the grocery store. 

Cut-finger and Caboose stopped in for supplies. They are heading back to the trail tonight because they have to get to Ashland by midday Wednesday. 

Since there were so many hikers, the cafe agreed to open just for us. The hamburger and chocolate shake hit the spot! Some of the hikers here who I have met before include Thermometer (the fellow from Korea), Hog (who I met in Etna), Flying Fish and Windscreen. 

I am camped at PCT mile 1662.1. The elevation here is 1,445 feet. I hiked 32 miles today. 

Day 87 - Marble Mountain Wilderness

Saturday July 11

I have mixed emotions about sleeping in the Hiker Hut in Etna. It was nice to have a soft bed, bathroom and a roof over my head. And the hiker talk was often interesting. However, I usually go to bed early when I am going back on the trail. My bunk was opposite the sink. So every time someone washed their hands, got water, shaved or brushed their teeth, it was noisy. In addition, the TV was on and there was a lot of talking. It didn't get quiet until almost 10. 

I also made the mistake of drinking two beers and a root beer float with dinner. I ended up going to the bathroom three times during the night. The result was a night with a lot of interrupted sleep!

River and I got a ride back to the trail at 6. It was cloudy and foggy. It was also cold enough that I put on my raincoat. Within a mile I entered the Marble Mountain Wilderness.

With all the clouds, I was unable to see what was around me. There obviously were some pretty views.

By afternoon, the skies started to clear. I got a good view of Marble Mountain.

I decided to stop early, as my feet were complaining. One of the first things I do, after the tent is set up, is to fix dinner. Tonight I had loaded mashed potatoes with salami, bacon bits, Fritos and olive oil. My beverage was hot chocolate with marshmallows!

I'm camped at Marble Valley, PCT mile 1630.1. The elevation here is 5,715 feet. I hiked 23.8 miles today. 

Day 86 - Etna

Friday July 10

Rest is wonderful!  I woke up laying in a king-sized bed at the Etna Motel thinking about what I needed to do today. 

First, I wanted to fix my Dirty Girl gaiter which had the front clip come off. I struggled with threading the needle with the dental floss; my eyesight isn't what it used to be. The sewing went well and it's fixed. 

Second, I got to take a shower! What a luxury! I still found an ant crawling on me. It likely was hiding in my pack; I hope it wasn't hiding between my toes!

Third, I went to breakfast at Bob's Ranch House. Several other hikers were there including Windscreen and River. They told me that there's room at the Hiker Hut, but I should hurry and check in before others arrived. I had a fantastic breakfast and then headed to the Hiker Hut where I got a bunk for $25.

I spent several hours with River showing her how to set up a blog and manage it with BlogTouch Pro. She was very appreciative. 

During the day at least half a dozen other hikers arrived. The bunks are filled and many are camped outside on the lawn.

Lucky, a hiker I met in Big Bear, arrived. Caboose and Cut-finger stopped by, but are heading back to the trail tonight. I found out that Willie was here on July 8, so he will be about 3 days ahead. I'm not sure how to feel about that since he never let me know that he was getting back onto the trail. 

Several of us had dinner at the Etna Brewery & Pub. The Imperial IPA was delicious. 

I plan on getting back on the trail at 6 tomorrow morning. It is 56 miles to Seiad Valley, my next resupply. It is 92 miles to the Oregon border!

Day 85 - Russian Wilderness

Thursday July 9

I wanted to get to Etna today, my next resupply town. It was almost 24 miles to the road where I could hitch a ride. Was I up to it?

I packed up my tent just before it started to rain. I was on the trail at 5:15. I should have been using my headlamp, but I could just make out the trail as it was getting light. I had my raincoat on and the rain came and went all morning. Like yesterday, I got wet as the rain soaked my pants and hat. To make matters worse, the plants along the trail held an enormous supply of water in their leaves. As I brushed by them I got a good soaking!

The trail was like a yo-yo all day. Up to a saddle and then down to a creek. Then up again and down again. It was like the trail designers were testing our ability to switch from up to down. I must confess that I was getting worn down by all the changes in elevation!

By noon the rain began to let up. However, there were low clouds all afternoon, blocking my view of the mountains. As I climbed higher, I often noticed the pretty wildflowers.

I entered the Russian Wilderness just after noon. The first thing I noticed were the burnt trees. Last year there was a wildfire that burnt thousands of acres. It is so disturbing to see all the damage created in such a short period of time. 

I noticed that the trail was crisis-crossed with what appeared to be water runoff. I suspected that it was from the fire fighting efforts. However, I later learned that it was likely from severe thunderstorms, dropping several inches of rain in a matter of several hours!

I also noticed a special plant, a sedum that is common to this area. It is called the Sierra Stone Crop, and is able to survive on the rocky soil.

I reached Etna Summit at 1:30. The road is called the Sawyers Bar Road. There is little traffic on the road, but I finally hitched a ride from a guy named Scott. He told me a lot about the fire fighting efforts in the Russian Wilderness. He dropped me off at the Etna Motel, where I rented a room for the night.

Tomorrow I will probably camp out at the hiker hut. All of the motels in town are booked for the weekend. I need to take a day of rest and enjoy the town atmosphere! I had a great dinner at the Etna Brewery & Pub!

I have made it to PCT mile 1606.4. I am currently warm and cozy at the Etna Motel. 

Day 84 - Washington Rain?

Wednesday July 8

Tap, tap, ta-tap tap. I knew what that sound meant. It was rain hitting my tent and it was time to get up. I was tempted to stay in my warm sleeping bag for another hour to see if the rain would stop. But, rain is also a part of this adventure, so I needed to deal with it. 

I packed up as much as I could while still in the tent. Then I packed my sleeping bag, electronics and clothes in a plastic bag and put them in my pack. That way, if my pack gets wet, they should still stay dry. 

I was on the trail by 5:40, and the rain changed from light rain to a steady rain. At times the wind would blow it sideways! I had my raincoat on, but sweat still got me wet. I didn't wear my rain pants, since my hiking pants have the pockets I need and they dry really quickly once the rain stops. Besides, my rain pants are not breathable, so I would get wet anyway. 

My hiking hat soon was saturated, and I could tell the intensity of the rain by the rate of the dripping from the front of the hat! Rain started to trickle down my neck, but my buff soaked most of it up. It felt like I was hiking in Washington State because there were puddles in the trail!

There really must be better rain gear. Perhaps a poncho?

Fortunately, by 10 the rain stopped and the sun came out. I crossed highway 3 and headed into the Trinity Alps Wilderness. 

The trail climbed back above 7,000 feet with good views.

At one stream, I noticed these odd plants. They are California Pitcher plants. Insects crawl in a small slit near the top of the hood. Unable to escape, they are slowly digested by the plant.

By 4 PM, my feet were tired and thunderstorms were building again. I am camped tonight at PCT mile 1583.1. The elevation here is 6,828 feet. I hiked 29.4 miles. 

Day 83 - Logs and Thunderstorms

Tuesday July 7

I didn't sleep well last night. It was late when I finally went to sleep. Unfortunately the campsite was a bit too sloped, so I kept sliding to the bottom of the ground cloth. It was also a bit breezy, so I kept wrapping my sleeping bag different ways to stay warm. My biological clock, however, was still working well, and I woke up at 4:45. 

I was on the trail before 5:30. The trail had few climbs, so the hiking was easy. However, I felt like someone had attached an anchor to me, as I found it hard to make a good pace. I blame the lack of sleep. This was the sunrise behind Mount Shasta.

I did come across an odd plant named Whitney's locoweed. The red-stripped balloon-shaped seed pod is poisonous. If eaten by grazing animals, it causes them to behave oddly.

One of the frustrations faced by hikers are the trees that fall across the trail. Getting around these obstacles can sometimes be difficult. For example, in the picture below, the easiest way was to take off my pack, crawl under, then pull my pack under.

In many cases, the tree is small enough to step over. If it is too big, often there is a trail around. Today, however, I managed to land on my back (a turtle), trying to step over a tree. This tree was high enough off the ground that my leg wouldn't touch the ground on the other side. Normally this is not a problem. I just bring the other leg up and rotate my body until my leg touches the ground. Today, though, as I brought my other leg up, it got caught on a broken limb. I leaned back to free my leg, but forgot how heavy my pack was. The weight of my pack pulled me back and down I went! I managed to scrape up my leg in the process. I know I uttered some words that I shouldn't have, and it took me a while to untangle myself from the bushes. This would have made an excellent "America's Funniest" video!

The other excitement today was the thunderstorms. The clouds had been building all afternoon. Around 3 the thunder and lightening began. I decided it was time to make camp. I got everything set up and ate my dinner early. There was hail and a torrential downpour. Hopefully by sleeping in my tent tonight I will sleep better. I'm sure glad that I stopped early!

I am camped tonight at PCT mile 1553.7. I hiked 24.9 miles today. The elevation here is 6,932 feet. 

Day 82 - Castle Crags - Where am I?

Monday July 6

Yesterday I ended my blog with a list of things I was worried about. Lets see what transpired. 

Will both my boxes be at the post office? Yes, both were there. I got there just as they opened. Everyone was interested in my hike and had a lot of questions. 

Will I find enough snacks for the next five days? Yes. I only had to buy three Snickers bars. 

Will I be able to get in enough miles with a big climb and a late start? Yes I did, but I had to hike until 7:30. I hiked 22.3 miles. 

Will my feet feel OK? Not really. The blisters are still tender. The one on my right foot is in a place where occasionally a rock will push against it. Hiking for 9.5 hours left me with tired feet!

I was feeling really anxious to get going this morning. When I went to put on one of my gaiters, I noticed the metal clip was missing. The clip slips under the shoelace to hold the gaiter in place. I suspected that it came off when I was doing laundry. So, on my way to breakfast, I stopped by the laundromat. I found it! Now I have a new sewing project. 

After picking up my resupply boxes, I walked back to the motel and sorted out my meals and snacks. I have five days of food to get me to Etna, my next resupply town. I also put together a hiker box. When checking out, I asked Eric, the manager, if it was possible to get a ride back to the trail. He said "Sure!"  I paid him $5 for gas and arrived at the trail at 10. 

After heading up the wrong trail at the start, I got back to the correct trail and was on my way. Water is a potential problem on this section so I checked for reliable sources. Just after Indian Springs the next reliable source is 24 miles! When I reached Indian Springs, there was a sign saying "Don't Drink the Water". There had been a fire here and they used a fire suppression agent that had gotten into the water. Fortunately there was another stream just up the trail!

A short time later, I got to a four-way trail junction, but didn't see a sign for the PCT. However, the trail heading up the mountain looked heavily used, and since I knew there was a big climb, up I went. There were a lot of people on the trail, and having "trail" legs, I was passing them fairly quickly. There were some great views of the Castle Crags.

After going up rather steeply for a mile, the trail came to a junction. Neither of the trails were the PCT. I pulled out my phone and checked my GPS location on the map. I was nowhere near the trail! I had made a bad decision a mile back! I felt so foolish! So, down I went. The PCT was poorly marked, and I had wasted an hour on the wrong trail. 

I planned to hike until 6:30 which would have given me nearly 20 miles for the day. I now needed to hike for another hour!

I finally found a campsite at 7:30. I am camped at PCT mile 1528.8. The elevation here is 6,868 feet. This is my view.

Day 81 - Dunsmuir Day of Rest

Sunday July 5

Today was "fix-it" day. There have been several little sewing projects that I have been putting off for a day like today. 

My Dirty Girl gaiters are wonderful, and I highly suggest that anyone doing a long hike should get a pair. I wear them every day to keep rocks and sand out of my shoes. They attach to the back of my shoe using Velcro.  A small strip of Velcro hook is glued to the back of my shoe, and the gaiter comes with a piece of Velcro loop sewn onto the back. Over time, the Velcro loop threads break, and if not repaired, will result in the Velcro loop pulling free from the gaiter. Here's what it looked like before the repair.

I used dental floss as my thread. It is tough and resists breaking. I sewed it back together and now it works like new.

My second sewing project was to repair a small tear in the bug netting of my tent. I accidentally tore the netting on the floor while setting it up. I think that's how some of the ants were getting into the tent. Again, dental floss was my thread and it repaired the damage. 

My third sewing project was to repair the stuff bag for my Therma-rest air mattress. The threads holding the bag together had started to come apart. A few stitches with dental floss fixed it. 

My next project was simply to wash my Therma-rest air mattress. Everything that is used on the trail gets filthy. I could see dirt smudges all over my mattress. So, just like me, the mattress got a bath! It's amazing how much nicer if looks when clean!

I also gave my sun hat a washing in the sink. It too was filthy!

The other excitement this morning was a house fire. I don't know if it was caused by fireworks, but it was the talk of the town when I went to breakfast this morning.

It's hard for me to just relax. I keep worrying about tomorrow. Will both my boxes be at the post office? Will I find enough snacks for the next five days? Will I be able to get in enough miles with a big climb, heavy pack and a late start? Will my feet feel OK?

I should just trust that tomorrow's problems will take care of themselves. I find my emotions are quick to emerge. For some reason I feel lonely today. Perhaps it's because I am so accustomed to having company while in town!

I have a big day tomorrow! Wish me luck!

Day 80 - Dunsmuir

Saturday July 4

I love town days! I especially love it when it is the Fourth of July. 

I tried to sleep in this morning, but the sky was so pretty and Mount Shasta was getting ready to greet the morning sun. I have been "cowboy camping" the last three nights, so I was able to pack quickly.

I had just over 4 miles to go before I arrived at the freeway. My right foot was still sore from the blister, so I took my time. 

I arrived and called the Shasta Taxi. They picked me up within 15 minutes and I was in town shortly after 8.

Since my check-in time at the Dunsmuir Lodge wasn't until noon, I went to breakfast at the Cornerstone Bakery & Cafe!  Their omelette and red potatoes were wonderful. 

After breakfast, I checked out the laundromat, to make sure they were still in business, and the post office, to verify their hours of operation, and then walked down to the Dunsmuir Lodge. This is what the motel looks like from the street.

I was told to check back at 1, so I sat out on their lawn and gathered my dirty laundry. I quickly stripped down out of my dirty hiking gear. I hope no one was watching! I had just gathered everything together when the motel manager, Eric, came out and said that he had a room ready!  Good thing he didn't come a few minutes earlier or he might have sent me packing!

I decided the first order of business was to finish getting my laundry done. For those who are not hikers, that means wearing my rain gear so that I can wash all of my hiking clothes and underwear. My rain gear was hot since it was in the mid-90's today!

It took almost two hours to wash and dry my clothes. While they were washing, I had lunch at the Burger Barn. The cheese burger and fries were delicious!

While most of my clothes were in the dryer, I pulled out my underwear and hiking clothes and changed while in the laundromat. My hiking clothes dry really quickly in the warm air, so I don't need to run them through the dryer.  I really hope there was no camera in the laundromat as naked guy got into more comfortable clothes! Fortunately no one else was around and no one came to arrest me. 

I got back to my room and took a much needed shower. I also stopped at the convenience store for some beer and some snacks for the trail. Gosh, a cool beer (or three) sure hit the spot!

I attended  the "Jazz in the Canyon" concert by Allison Scull and Victor Martin to celebrate the Fourth of July (http://allisonandvictor.com/files/Public/jic2015.pdf). It started late for me (6 PM), but I can sleep in tomorrow! Victor Martin was absolutely fabulous on the saxophone! I understand that Allison Scull is well known in the jazz community, but I didn't think she was singing her best. (http://allisonandvictor.com/Public/AboutUs)

I also stopped by the Dunsmuir Brewery Works to listen to Sonido Alegre. Their music was interesting, but not as well done as Allison & Victor. Besides, I sat in the dining area for over half an hour and was never served. Perhaps my hiker garb meant that I wasn't interested in a beer?

I headed to the local pizza house and had a small all-meat pizza. I shared a piece with an older lady who appeared to be homeless. I think she appreciated it. 

I am staying tonight at the Dunsmuir Lodge. I don't have to wear my sun hat and mosquito net tonight! Yippee!

Day 79 - Blisters Again

Friday July 3

I have two blisters!

I'm not complaining, it's just surprising to me that after all the miles I've walked I would get blisters now. I have one near my heel on my right foot, and one near my big toe on my left foot. I'm sure it's because I have increased the number of miles recently, as well as the hours spent hiking each day. I have them popped and taped. And, I have a zero day coming up the day after tomorrow, so my feet should get some rest. 

I'm also delighted because it is my son's birthday! I scurried up a big climb so that I would have telephone service. I got to talk to him about the trail and of course wished him a "Happy Birthday". He mentioned that his friend has a small airplane, and they might fly in somewhere and do "trail magic". That would be incredible!

I got on the trail at 5:15 this morning. The hiking was easy, and I thought it was a short distance to the McCloud River, a major river with good campsites. Another hiker asked me last night if I was going to camp at the river. It's a good thing I found a good spot earlier, because it was over 5 more miles to the river!

The trail was very well maintained and the grade was perfect for keeping a good pace. In a couple of damp areas I came across "umbrella" plants!

The other good thing today was the weather. It was cloudy most of the day which kept the temperature in the 70's. It made the hiking much more pleasant. At the top of the mountain I got my first look at Castle Crags.

When I had phone service, I also called the Dunsmuir Lodge to reserve a room. It's a good thing I did, because the first two places I called were totally booked. I got the last room at the lodge! I also called the local taxi service to confirm that they were working on the Fourth of July. They are and can provide transportation from interstate 5 to Dunsmuir for $25. 

I am camped tonight at PCT mile 1501.8. I hiked 30.8 miles today. The elevation here is 3,875 feet.