Temps were hot and humid as we left Drakesbad Ranch yesterday. We picked up our pace to outrun the 2.5mph mosquitos as we made our way to a suitable campsite about 6 miles away.
Evidence of bear activity all along the trail
On July 10 our goal was to make it to the Subway Cave, a lava tube that is a third of a mile long. The trail tread was moderate but the temperatures were in the high 90,s bringing back memories of the desert so long ago. We hiked into Old Station for a cold drink and a so-not-worth-it very expensive burger. Hono and Running Wolf were already there waiting for it to cool down a bit before continuing. We took a 2 hour break and reached our goal in enough time to walk through the Subway Cave.
Entering Subway Cave
The night temperature cooled to a surprising 45 degrees and we cowboy camped under the stars.
We left Subway Cave earlier than usual to try and beat the expected heat. This would be our last reliable water source for the next 30 miles along the exposed Hat Rim. We cameled up, filled our water bottles, carrying as much water as we could and hoped we would find water at the cache at the halfway point.
Wild Flowers framed our path along the way
We reached a look-out and met Dave (trail name White Jeep), who was leaving a cache of water for his wife who was hiking the trail. Turns out White Jeep works with Halfmile to expand and perfect IPhone aps for PCT hikers. and is a trail angel extraordinaire for both AT and PCT. He assisted us in loading the latest version on our iPhones, walked us through some applications and let us top off our water.
Thanks White Jeep!
We were thankful to find water at the cache, cameled up and since we had a phone singnal we called the trail angels to let them know the cache was getting low, then left a VM for White Jeep to let him know the status of the cache so he could update his ap. This is standard procedure on the trail Hikers helping Hikers.
Seems like the miles are passing us by more quickly now.
We hiked past another milestone.
Milemarker made of lava rock common along the Hat Rim
Fortunately we got water at the cache since a cow-patty pond was the only other alternative (yuk)!
We found a fabulous campsite with an incredible view but the ants took up residence among us.
While Gone Fishing was protected in his bug bivey under the Milkyway I took refuse in my tent where I promptly ordered a bug bivey of my own.
July 12 ended with our arrival at Burney Falls mile 1423.
In-route we stopped by The Crystal Lake Fish Hatchery, got a tour, water refill, and while eating lunch was treated by hatchery employee and now Trail Angel Mary to a big, juicy, cold, fresh to-die-for peach which we split and devoured savoring each bite.
Thanks to All at Crystal Lake Fishery
Temperatures at Burney Falls was over 100 degrees and our main staple during the next 24 hours was their cold, soft-serve ice cream. I happily lost count of how many ice cream cones I consumed. We camped in the remote hiker-designated area, rummaged through the hiker box, purchased few over-priced items from the store, picked up our resupplies, showered and washed out our filthy duds in the campsite provided laundry sinks. We mingled with our own kind, 12 of us in all, meeting a few new-to-us hikers (Collector, The Donald) Collector invited all of us to a picnic lunch graciously provided by family members Mary and Lynn.
Thanks Mary and Lynn
We left late afternoon after giving up on temperatures cooling.
With full bellies, heavy packs and a big climb ahead we chose to walk a mere 6 miles to rock creek campsite and swimming hole.
We would tackle the next 88 miles to Mt. Shasta during the next 5 days. Once there, we look forward to a real town with all the trimmings and hopefully cooler temperatures to enjoy a long over-due zero day.
Hearts on the Trail
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