PCT Day 98

Bushcamp to Bushcamp

36.1 miles

Mile 1773.5

I opened my eyes surprised to see it was no longer dark out…meaning I’d most certainly over slept. I was cool with is though, as this was my first good night of sleep since I’d punctured my sleeping pad nearly two weeks ago! Thank god for REI and their killer return policy!

Spikes headed out around 5, followed by myself about thirty minutes later.

During my first hour of hiking I must have passed 6 or 7 tents. Don’t these hikers know that miles taste best in the morning??

Anyways, around 7 I passed Hyatt Lake, where I topped off my water bottle at its outlet before pushing on.

I spent the rest of the morning making my way through lush woodlands before enter Rogue River National Forest.

A bit past noon I met a young family in a camper while crossing a paved road. It turned out that the wife, Kristen, had hiked the PCT in 2008. After chatting for a bit they offered me a six pack of beer. I refused all six due to the weight, but did accept three, one to drink then, and two for Spikes and I to enjoy for dinner.

Pleased with my good fortune, the remainder of the day flew by as I jammed out to an audiobook.

The last hour was spent hiking through neat volcanic rock before crossing a rather busy road…

I reached our campsite just before 5. I found a nice spot next to a cold creek to pitch my tent. It was hot out, but I made a small fire anyways to keep the mosquitos away.

When Spikes arrived I surprised her with a beer as we dug into dinner. She told me about a family of skunks she’d barely dodged and I reciprocated with my trail magic experience.

After dinner we watched a bit of Netflix before calling it a night.

Cheers!