Gg-man - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2011

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Hat Creek Rim

Day 59 - Hat Creek Rim

Great day today. The scenery in the morning was fairly ordinary as we left Lassen NP and went through tree farms on our way to Old Station. Rockdancer picked up a package at the PO and we went next door and polished off a huge hand dipped shake and bought some food to get me to Burney Falls for my next resupply package tomorrow. Next, we hit JJ's restaurant where I devoured my 1912th half lb burger since the start of the trip. Maybe a slight exaggeration. And what better to finish off the meal than blackberry pie. Tummy happy, it was time to attack Hat Creek Rim, a 30 plus mile hot waterless, shadeless section. Luckily for us it is cool and cloudy so it is quite enjoyable weather. The bad news is that I think there is a 50-50 chance I will be setting up my tarp due to rain.

We met quite a few flip floppers today. It seems this section of trail must be the consensus pick for least snow. And speaking of snow, this was the first day since June 14th that my feet have been dry all day. But now I have dirt to clean off to avoid getting blisters.

It is surprising that we are teaching ourselves how to hike again. You would think that the Sierra would have perfectly conditioned us but I think in reality it just tore us down. But everyday I get stronger and push out the number of miles that I can do in complete comfort which today was almost 30.

Another Cleanup Item
When snow covers the trail how can you know where it is?
A) Look for the biggest snow drifts. The trail will be below them.
B) Listen for the sound of a stream. The stream will be the trail.
C) Look for blowdowns. The trail will be below the worst of them.
D) All of the above.

The correct answer is D. (And I'm only half kidding)

Time for bed. Found yet another leak in my Swiss Cheese airmat. I think it's still leaking but maybe I can get a couple of hours of partial comfort.

Entry 80 of 129
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