Journey Day 112 | PCT Day 112

Looking back south, the Trinity Alps reappeared.

8/6/85

Bikers up as I lay trying not to wake up. But trucks going through gears, blowing horns. So I’m up, make breakfast as bikers head out. Hike out while Dave still sleeps.

Some climbing back up as day heats up early. Trouble deciding where to get water. Blow off summer camp, lakes, hike along ridges looking at Trinity Alps. Some good views, plus Shasta’s back. We’re behind it now, I think.

Climbing hot slopes with little grade. Rocky…. Some forested sections, but there are logging remnants. Hot ridge walking, pass mainly dry spring spots. Interesting rock saddle. Hike around rocks to forest meadows. Trickling springs all that’s available. And cowpies abound. Long look before settling for small spout up the hill.

Chug lemonade, cool feet. Eat chocolate, etc. for lunch under a shade tree. Notice Shasta directly in front of me. Since Hat Creek Rim, that impressive old lava spout has been a welcome view.

Back and forth on pace for days ahead. Could make Seiad Valley late Friday, more easily sometime Saturday. Without special treatment at the post office, a waste to hurry to arrive before Monday.

Par for the course, I pass several better water options after my stop. But better safe than sorry. Hike around peak, still climbing. Climb soon ends. Begin downhill across rocky trails, partially logged forests. Down we go, pass trails, before hitting megajunction on saddle after long ridge walk. Follow path, which as guidebook says, is poorest tread I’ve seen. Up over crest, then down. Tanked up early, so carrying 10 pounds of water from spring. Switchbacks, then around ridge. Cross several creeks. Then up, pretty sleepily to summit at Carter Meadows.

Crossing road when big truck comes over summit. Swerves apparently interested in me. Pulls off on jeep road. Runs toward me as I begin climbing back up. He’s looking for blonde girl hiker. Tells of twins, Keith and Jeff hiking in pairs only four and six hours ahead.

Never see girl I was hoping to. Longing strong for opposite sex. Dream of Mary for first time in a while. Decide to bag it, as windy. Crash on trail. Munch big, sleep under stars.