In a very well thought out plan to avoid the snow (the more south you went the worse the snow was), Mike (chief) decided to split the trip and start in Oregon then shuttle down to Nor cal.
Did the 5 hour drive to Fish lake Oregon mostly on Sunday night and met the team (Chief and my favorite Caleb (Jediah Smith) at the sno park earlier than expected. We left Mikes vintage pickup at the snow park and took Dora the Explorer down to Callaghan’s lodge.
Off we go!
At the very start, we met a couple of new hikers (legs not burnt, no obvious cuts, no signs of misery so clearly not thru hikers), and started off. lovely day, great temp and high spirits!
Right away we see signs of thunderstorm possible clouds. In the last couple of weeks, the Sierra hikers have been blasted every afternoon. We hope it’s not us as well.
This is a great section of the trail. No snow, great trail, mild to moderate climbs, and no water carry’s over 11 miles. Even with 4 days food, my pack is probably under 27 pounds. We all ate at Subway for lunch, and all brought 1/2 sandwich for our dinner on trail. It tasted so good!
Just a lovely trail. I’ve been overpacking food every single trip and tried to streamline this time. Funny thing, when I know I have to much, I’m not hungry, when I think I might not have enough, I’m starved. Lol. (I got over it).
Perfect trail. Of course I’m smiling!
Fantastic views. I should have been taking pics of Pilot Rock, the cool formation that dominates this section. To worried about the clouds. Lol.
We get to our needed water, hard to find but my Far out app helped, and the comments section got us to 2 great sheltered camp spots. It’s kinda interesting, Mike uses his maps so well ( no phone or electronics at all) and does great, but occasionally my electronics can help a little. Creates a great team!
That’s my nice soft flat camp spot.
Tried out a new “sun shirt”. Just to heavy, but might be good next year for a layer and colder temps. But it’s heavy,
Great 1 day. 11 miles. Saw Pilot Rock! No thunderstorms! Feeling great! Tomorrow should be about 15 semi easy miles.
Tom hikes the PCT 