Charlie Hyde - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2010

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Fierce Beasts Threaten PCT Hiker

What a Magical Day!

I really don't remember a lot about this morning other than getting my
tent stuck up in the tree branches as I banged it off to remove any
remaining horse poop which was in small supply at my campsite at Bear
Dog Spring.
Loaded up on H2O because you're living from spring to sometimes
unreliable spring in this dry region and hiked beginning at 7:00 since
I'd slept in a bit. There was a wonderful cooling breeze from the
North which I imagined had started in sweet Oregon! And the trail
undulated gently up and down following the ridges of the Pacific
Crest. Johnny Appleseed and I passed the baton a few times as we took
breaks or got water. And at 1:15 in the heat of the afternoon it
happened - the Oregon border!! I was so excited to finally be finished
with California after 1703.2 miles! I took a picture making a big "O"
with my hands and my mouth and noted in the trail register that I was
glad to get back to the PNW and looking forward to some clouds and
rain.
Classic example of "Be careful what you wish for, you might get it..."
Sure enough a little over an hour later as I ate lunch that wonderful
North breeze picked up and brought thunder clouds with it. The next
couple hours were a race against the storm. And as the trail contoured
around the steep rocky hillsides of the Siskiyous I was constantly
scanning for flat spots where I could safely ride out the storm. It
sprinkled a bit on me for an hour and then beautifully opened up on a
meadowed ridgetop to sunshine and a rainbow. I thought I was home free
and continued blissfully on only to find the trail leading me directly
into the storm clouds. In a beautiful dark forest with giant warped
trees that looked like Ents watching over me I decided to camp. It was
a good decision as no sooner was the tent up and my home arranged than
the storm arrived with glorious booming crackling thunder and
lightning that kept getting closer. I love being in a storm as long as
I feel protected. It reminds me of childhood when we had big storms
and we'd all gather round the fireplace cooking marshmallows, our
parents figuring that was the safest place in the house should a big
Douglas Fir blow over. The first product of this storm were little
pellet sized hail balls followed of course by lots of rain. It's
finally died down now, but I'd say Oregon certainly granted my wish!
I did a few more miles today than I planned so with only 17 to go
tomorrow hopefully I'll be in Ashland early afternoon, clean up and
score some last minute play tickets. A couple zeros is going to feel
really good after 9 straight pretty long days on the trail.

{startlocation=Bear
Dog Spring}




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