Journey Day 93 | PCT Day 93

Pacific Crest Trail threads through rocky ridges.

  7/18/85

Up before the sun, I toss, turn, finally up. Boil breakfast water, realize last night’s error and head back and find creek. But it’s also bad, near much logging which means trash, men, vehicles, etc., so I use iodine. First Need filtering not working as test this morning showed. Water a major obstacle in this section.

Finally on my way, apparently early as Eric again passes me. We’re both after the river. Hike  on down to river, creek. He chooses a spot for a swim. I go on, but suds from the Feather River send me back to the path down to this spot. Jump into creek. Refreshing! Eat, update, but flies, heat, although naked except for tennies, keep it from being paradise. Wash socks, another quick dip feels so good on hot body, tortured feet. Get ready, back to pack.

As reading guide, find bandana for a change. Camo no less. Then onward, planning for Lookout Rock.  2,700 foot climb over seven miles after initial 500 foot climb up forested ridges. Not looking much, walking hard.

Stop at nice stream from rocks on the ridge. Down cups of agua, then on up, up, up. Not much view through pines, but keep seeing Mt. Ararat, an impressive peak from different angles. More climbing in heat. Lucky for shade from trees.

Get anxious for spring, come upon several dried spots, one I’m sure was spring. But more climbing brings me to nice spring, though not rushing.

Fill to capacity, then on up ridge to saddle. Decide to stop here, enjoy dinner in daylight. Catch spot just off trail, eat three courses, including ramen and pudding.

Even have time to catch up journal. Tomorrow I’ll do a 20 miler, so I’m within an easy cruise of reaching Belden early Saturday.