Journey Day 115 | PCT Day 115

The Pacific Crest Trail offered excellent views of the Marble Mountains.

8/9/85

Awaken to sun up. Eat slow breakfast in bed with fawn scavenging nearby. Watch squirrels, chipmunks race after each other around trunk. Eventually hike on.

Notice bear-bagged campers. I hadn’t the night before. I’m staying late, but they’re still asleep.

Lazy morning. I meet three guys who camped with Jeff. We talk too long on trip, gear, Seiad ahead.

Eventually make Paradise Lake. Foam in stream frustrates my plans for drink-mix use. Eat, drink, take quart from outlet.

Hike up a little, come upon couple from Euseka? in Mendocino County. She’s amused to meet a PCT hiker. Answer usual questions, which leads to me getting a free pound of cheese. We part after long chat.

Hiking up again I get spring water a photojournalist tells me about. More climbing ‘til meet environmental consultant from D.C. and Yreka friend. We talk . B. Bower ends up explaining very environmental issues. He abruptly ends, they walk on. I realize I’ve used up a lot of time.

Resolve to hike hard. So onward, climb some before reaching high point. Nice views of mountains and Oregon ahead. Take a break under some shade trees on a hot ridge. Pass on Buckhorn Spring. Cow territory. Hike on down, down through woods. Mercifully for my tired toes descent ends sooner than I’d expected.

Cross Cold Spring Creek. No treatment of water (looks so good!) despite cowpies. Hike pass, my planned stop. Almost camp on first foot bridge across Grider Creek, but end up at spot across the creek.

Good time, easy hiking. Cook and eat. Stove burns too hot this time. Better than sputtering!

Update, plan for Seiad visit. Eat nearly entire pound of cheese between here and break under tree.