Friday Day 79

June 22, 2018

1176-1195

Well, let’s just say I thought I went to sleep alone last night. I’m not sure what time it was when I heard the first crunch, crunch, crunch of tree branches near my tent. Of course, heart racing, I stayed still as to not alarm whatever was nearing my personal space. I let whatever it was sniff around and eventually heard the clumsily steps of a hoof. Deer. At least 2 of them. Clearly I had chosen their preferred sleep space. As they wrestled around, I slowly went back to sleep. Around 1am–this time I looked at my phone–I must have turned over in my tent alarming the deer. I heard them scamper about only to settle back into my personal bubble again. Ugh. This night was going to last forever. Again, back to sleep I go. Around 530 as the sun was starting to shine, I heard them wrestle once more. I peaked out the tent to see them heading back down the hill. As much as my heart raced thinking I was going to be eaten by some starving animal, I survived my 2nd night of camping solo on the PCT.

It took me less than an hour to get my stuff packed and on the trail. I even ate before leaving. I was hiking by 730 and knew that I wouldn’t see a water source for 2.5 miles. When I finally made it to Mule Ear Creek, I cameled up, filed up my bottles and headed back to hiking. On my way back down the trail, I stupidly was looking at my phone from the moment I left the creek. Thankfully it was no more than 500ft before I realized I had left my trekking poles at the water source. Back up the trail I went. There they were, right where I left them.

Back to solo hiking, where things don’t really seem to happen much. I did chat with a guy (I later learned his name was Mark Twain) who gave me info on Sierra City. I asked about the Country store hours and camping at the church. Being a Friday, I was doubtful I’d be able to find a room to stay at. He was helpful and we both went about our way.

Around 1020am I was surprised with a trail magic sign as I reached the Jackson Meadows Recreation Area. Just a few hundred feet down trail, I was welcomed by Trail angels Alex and Lisa. They had parked their camper for a few days and have been providing food and beverages to thru hikers. The said they had several camp with them last night. Alex is semi-retired and Lisa is on summer break from teaching Special Education in Reno. Such a nice couple to chat with. They had music playing, he gave me watermelon, a cherry coke, and Lisa made some fresh avocado, bean salsa that I couldn’t turn down. I’m not sure how long I was there but it was a nice little break. They even sent me off with a Snicker Ice Cream bar from the camper freezer. So delish. So thankful for their kindness!!!!

I met a few southbound hikers as I neared Sierra City. It was warming up, I was hiking as fast as I could. Yellowjacket and Lifehack were taking a break at a creek. It looked so refreshing but I needed to make it into town before the Country Store closed at 6–I actually thought they closed at 5. Yellowjacket eased my day by he updated closing time of 6pm on Fridays. I was in luck.

I decided to do the 1.5 mile road walk into town as I knew I had plenty of time left. When I arrived at highway 49, there were already 2 hikers trying to get a ride into town. There was no need to try too. So I walked down the highway…. not a whole lot of traffic so I’m glad I decided to not wait for a ride. I went straight to the store, grabbed my resupply box and my box from Ms. Laurie in Bend (thank you! The snacks looks delish!). I also ordered an burger and a shake. While eating I met RacerX from Washington. He told me more about the church lot where he was already camped. He also told me about the free COLD showers at the public restrooms. That’s right FREE and COLD! Doesn’t get much better than that my friends.

I finally finished my strawberry shake and went to setup my tent. I met Charlie Horse–who I know I met in the desert miles ago and Cowboy, another guy from Washington. I went through my resupply box and gave some of my food to Cowboy. He’s been hiking fast and his resupply May not make it here until tomorrow. I was going to leave my leftovers in the Hiker box, but giving it to someone seemed better. He was happy to get some free bars, ramen and some hot chocolate.

It’s kinda warm out tonight so I setup without the rainfly this evening. That’s a first. Hoping to get some better sleep than last night.

This town is really cute. Super nice of he church o allow hikers to camp out back for free. I’ll leave a donation before I roll out tomorrow.

Looking at the mileage, I’m going to attempt to make it to Belden by Wednesday night. I have a ton of food even with what I gave away. Hopefully I can keep up 18 miles days and make my mark. All in all, it was a good day! Good night!