Start: 751.5
Stop: 782.1
Today’s miles: 30.6 (technically only 23)
Total PCT miles: 969.8
Croc miles: 78
Last night may have been my best night of sleep on trail. Maybe not, but at the very least close to it for sure. Naturally, in all my nocturnal wonder, I didn’t want to get up. Marquis said he woke up to my vibrating phone.. I didn’t. Hahaha. I’ll be glad to get my new watch Mom is sending with my shoes. Not only did she mail me shoes from home that should fit perfectly, she also found a watch like mine, but newer, for sale off of Facebook marketplace, went and got it for me, and then mailed it to me from the other side of the country. I seriously don’t deserve her. She’s simply the best there is.
Anyway, I packed and got to walking at the same time as Margot, maybe close to 7:30 ish. The alternate trail we were on was 20 miles total, and we’re guessing we did 3 yesterday, so only 17 to go to meet back up with the PCT. Marquis made sure to make arrows or be at the junctions, because our phones didn’t have the whole map visible like his did.
It was easy trail, very manageable in my crocs honestly. There was maybe once or twice where I was worried about slipping out of my shoes but otherwise, it was great. The alternate was also lovely because there was only 3 or 4 NOBOs to pass us, and 4 horses with riders to go by! It was peaceful and overcast and cool temperatures. I was in Heaven.
The two of us ate lunch together, then we all three walked together awhile after a junction. At some point in the afternoon we made it to the PCT junction. There was a huge water cache, plus plastic totes filled with fully charged battery banks and cords for every phone, so you can charge your goodies. We sat awhile and chatted with other hikers and charged our phones. We caught up to Keith at this junction, too.
We hiked 6 more miles, all on the PCT, and set up camp with Keith and another guy.. although as I’m typing this at 8:45pm, others are appearing out of thin air. In the morning we’ll have to walk the half mile down the side trail to get more water, because from here there’s none for 14 miles. I should have just done it today, before eating my dinner, but I couldn’t make myself walk anymore. The trail was kind to my feet, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t hurt like hell.
I’m tired. Tomorrow will be another 23-24 mile day, but the following day we make it to the north end of Crater Lake National Park and plan to get there super early, claim a tent site, and then hitch around the lake to go swimming somewhere. Margot wants to hike the rim trail (another PCT alternate) at sunrise, so we’ll camp there and then wake up early the morning after to do just that. I’m sure it’ll be magical. I can’t wait! Beauty and TWO short hiking days! Heck yeah!
Goodnight, y’all.