Didn’t sleep so great last night. The Saufleys had nice cots, but I was waking from the cold underneath. I was too groggy to grab my sleeping pad for the insulation.
Rain threatened as we were walking out, but held off. Had to walk a couple miles on the road to get to the trail as we were not able to get the hitch. Saw lots of hikers coming into town. Heard that there is a bubble of at least 50 right behind us…what a big group.
We had a decent climb up out of town. Once up on the ridge, the wind was strong and really cold, and we were in the clouds. Coldest that I have felt on the trail so far.
Day was up and down a couple passes and passing through canyons. Fairly easy walking. There was only one place to get water all day, but with the cooler temps, that wasn’t an issue at all.
Came across trail magic in the form of beer and sodas (and chairs) under some trees. Thanks Trail Angels!
Finished the hiking part of the day at a highway a few miles from the Andersons (picked up a hitch with the third car that passed…great luck). The Andersons are an institution on the PCT. They have a big manzanita forest in their backyard where hikers setup their tents. Their front yard is filled with chairs and sofas for folks to hang out. While waiting in line for my deluxe nachos, I counted no less than 52 hikers at their place, and I am guessing there were at least 10 others not in the immediate area. They seem to have a hiker feed every night. Everybody stops here. It is a fairly party type atmosphere. The guidebook makes the comment that the Andersons place is “hippie day care”.
We definitely have been lucky with town food and great places to stay every few days….I feel like we are living it up a bit, as it won’t last for much more of the trail.
Tonight as I write this, it is beginning to rain…first time since I have been in California (4 weeks). Glad I set up the tarp.
Daily Distance: 24
Trip Distance: 393.6
Questions or thoughts on this article? Please leave them below: