Journey Day 120 | PCT Day 120

8/14/85

Up early, take to slopes headed for Callahan’s. Not much to see. Barren gaps, clearcuts causing erosion. One tough climb, then all downhill.

Make road, follow it to ski area for lunch. Ants, anticipation push me back to trail. Hot downhill. Trail ends at 4059, road to Mt. Ashland, view of the valley. Hit road. Meet biker form Seiad Valley. We talk, I change to tennis shoes, drop along road in view of Pilot Peak. Pick up trail for short time, then back to road. Biker passes again on way back down. U.S. Forest Service truck offers ride. Explain trail overgrown, but why don’t they clear it? As nearing road, friendly cars, motorcyclists pass.

Van with three guys in it pulls up. They’re hippy types, botanists. We talk, they offer ride. I’m tempted, but hold off. Walk to highway, incorrect overpass. Then back, wave down pick-up. Guy tells me I’m within 100 yards of Callahan’s.

Huge meal, mega-courses. Pretty Lisa’s a hiking fan who keeps the food coming. With a margarita, a huge feast. I’m too full leaving, pass on making a pass for Lisa.

Catch ride out of parking lot to Ashland, as no reason not to. Made hike of 21 miles by 5 p.m. Decide to crash at hostel in Ashland, home of a Shakespeare festival and a college town.

Utopia dented slightly by lack of Nicholson flick. But David from Silicon Valley and I decide to catch live music. Showered first. Great show. Hawks and Eagles, a string folk act from Nevada.  This couple makes amazing sounds, all the more incredible because I’m used to no sound but my own.  Three pitchers later, show ends. David and I talk with Hawks and Eagles. Ignored hostel curfew. But Keith is there, opens door and we sneak in.