Journey Day 90 | PCT Day 90

Atop steep steps to Sierra Buttes Lookout

7/15/85

Aroused from my uneasy sleep, I’m up and off down the trail, planning breakfast in town. Quickly reach Route 49 and hitch into Sierra City. Nothing’s open, but the inn’s diner, so I slide in for an omelette and five cups of coffee. People not overly friendly, but the waitress is nice. She gets a good tip. Lady running the place bitches me out for opening a bolted door to get to the john, but thawed some as the morning went on.

Learned of Reagan’s cancer. Long talk with Mom. I’ve already got speaking engagements and I agree to write up a letter for National Geographic. During the call, spot a shorn Keith. He heads to diner.

I pitch a temporary camp in the alley  between the post office and store. Get box, letters from post office. Letters take a long time to answer, plus news of Bill’s baby to be, Dave Way’s daughter. Plus Mom and Mary’s birthdays.

Learn the two PCT chicks are in town. They come over to join us as we get our stuff organized. Eric’s in the store, but not social. Jeff and I split lunch. Good tunes as we pack, write, read, joke with the chicks, other hikers, groupies.

They go for a swim, later I learn a naked, wild time. But I’m not ready, inclined to enter derby. Try to make calls to get pack sewn. Pack. Talk with locals who point me toward the right jeep road.

Climb it up, up, up. So much continuous grade… But feels good to be on the trail again.

Make top saddle, but about a mile from Sierra Buttes Lookout Trail and PCT I’ve veered from again. Dirt-biking young guys ride me to the junction, but halfway up I decide against this hike with night closing in. Hike back to spot as dark creeps in. Cold dinner to conserve water. Know Keith on his way up. Crash content, feeling good.