Journey Day 116 | PCT Day 116
The view from the trail above the Klamath River and Seiad Valley, Calif.
8/10/85
Up with sunrise, I hike toward uncertain Seiad drop. Long walk along creek saps what little energy I had. Stop for break, eat what little food I have left. Finally hit final footbridge, cross to campground. One footbridge marked unsafe but crossed for lack of alternatives.
Talk short with Boy Scout master. No trash cans or water. Sign register, don tennies, then off on gravel road. Pass little except closed sanctuary of Brooks Bird Club of Wheeling, W.Va. Hit Klamath River running low. Passed by several cars offering rides, which I refuse like a true PCT hiker.
Final offer from a woman with kids. She shows me a bald eagle in a tree across the river. It flies off, beautiful with a distinct call. So long and sleek. My first nature siting of our national bird.
Eating berries along roadside again slows my progress, as does the temptation to ford slow moving Klamath. But keep to road, leave berries alone and close on semi-civilization. Bridge Klamath, hike into tiny Seiad Valley. Typical PCT-side town.
Jeff and Keith at table by Hawk’s Roost, local RV park, PCT camp-shelter.
Head for P.O. Closed but store clerk calls postmistress who comes immediately. Get my mail. She suggests a change of address card. The PCT seems to spawn such friendly people.
Hit store, then back to table, site with Keith, Jeff. They’re packing. We talk of the twins, who forded the Klamath and nice path in the past. Lunch, a Foley burger, fills me. Register to stay. Keith, then Jeff, leave for climb back out.
Shower oh so nice. Wash clothes and sleeping bag for first time since Big Bear City! It comes dry this time. After struggle with hibachi, eat barbecued pork chops and spuds from Chris Hawk, who made money selling citrus root stalk internationally. Howard, her second husband, an electrician. Despite other land holdings, they chose to stay at this park they’re revitalizing. Dark comes. I had to borrow sauce, briquettes, fork and knife. Barely able to finish. Read newspapers by flashlight. Tough to get to sleep with traffic, park lights. Raise tent, soon asleep.
