Bushcamp to Bushcamp
34.3 miles
Mile 1489.4
It was another night of crap sleep. Hopefully I can get my pad patched while in Castella tomorrow…
Spikes and I set out around 5, starting the day with a predawn ascent to a ridge that we walked as the sun decorated the vista during its rise.
Eventually the trail left the ridge, wandering over to the backside of the mountain, where it began descending down into its gulch.
There was a short detour around a section of washed out trail.
The trail snaked around the rich jungle like floor of the mountain, crossing multiple creeks as it made its way north.
We crossed the McCloud River, before beginning a long but gentle ascent.
Once we’d reached the top of our climb, the trail led back down to Sqaw Valley Creek, where another wooden bridge waited for us.
After collecting water from the creek, we made our final 5 mile ascent up to the campsite we’d planned.
Upon arrival, I’d hoped to find a soft bed of pine needles to pitch my tent on, but found only hard dirt. Oh well…Spikes and I crushed our dinners, appetites primed from the long day. Next on the agenda was sleep.
We’d have an easy morning into Castella the following day, where we’d eat ice cream and resupply for the 100 miles to Etna.
Cheers!