Journey Day 98 | PCT Day 98

7/23/85

The sign for Lassen Park marked more progress north in California.

Up slower as overcast sky keeps out sunrise. But up, eat breakfast. Rig up pack straps with Keith. Hopefully they’ll hold until Old Station or further. Hike tired into Lassen Park. Creek counted on dry, so hike on. Sign trail register, then resigned to hiking to Warner Valley without a break.

All trees as I walk, tired. Nothing until I come upon Boiling Springs Lake. Interesting green, from algae? It’s scalding hot, a sign warns. Red rocks and green scenery around.

Come upon young family without papa on trail. Talk briefly, they give me some strawberry nectar. I hike on, more shots, views of the lake.

Pass tempting private pool at ranch, I struggle across bridge. Spy Keith. He’s not at campground, water questionable. I hike a short distance up, find man who reassures me there is water at the campground.

Make picnic table. Eat big time, douse our heads from cloudy water in spigot. Update journal.

From Warner Valley Campground, Keith and I hike to the top of the ridge. Relaxed, we drop back down. He goes ahead. I catch and pass him as he pauses for a tree photo.

Cross to Grassy Swale. Trick trail jog fools him, but not me. Pass on water in corralled meadow, anticipating good water from swale that’s never found. Hike along this high marsh. Pass on seasonal creek flowing by. Decide to push for lakes ahead. As night gets closer, Keith and I push for miles. He’s ahead. There’s no water to be found as I pass Cluster Lakes. Though people say he’s just ahead, I stop at edge. Take water, boil or iodine? Eat, crash outside. But raise tent as bugs bother me.

To do list

Calls

Mom

REI: sox

First Need

Water tank

Jansport:Pack fixed

JL: film

drink mix: sugar

hot chocolate

trail mix

snow seal?

honey, p.b.

fuel

Send back:

First Need

P.B. containers

puddings, potatoes

telephoto lens

gloves