PCT Day 49

Bishop Zero Day

0 miles

Mile 788.5

Another epic night of sleep. This is the first time I’ve taken two consecutive zero days, but they were totally necessary. The Sierras best us up pretty good.

At breakfast Mike decided he’d hike out, rather than stick around for another day, so three became two.

After breakfast I called the Rural Health Clinic to schedule an appointment to have my toe looked at. Although it’s not painful, it looks strange and has no sensation, so I figured I’d get it checked out before heading back into the Sierras.

I lucked out and scored a 11:20 appointment. The clinic was just down the street, so I cruised over a few minutes before to complete the paperwork.

Within minutes I was seen by Dr. Figueroa. When she weighed me in I was surprised to find I’d lost 15 lbs since starting the PCT. After examining my toe she pretty much told me what I already established on my own. I’d suffered grade one frost bite. The white skin afflicted would continue to whither and eventually fall off. I’ll most likely gain feeling back in the toe, but must keep it warm and dry.

Between the deep snow and constant river crossings, wet shoes and cold feet are inevitable, but I’ll do my best to rotate my socks to keep the toe as dry as possible.

Dr. Figueroa wished me luck and saw me out. I didn’t have to pay a dime, so that was nice!

I cruised back to the hotel to collect Spikes before heading over to Amigos for lunch. It was a neat Mexican joint with fantastic chips and salsa. I ordered a giant taco salad with chicken and a Corona, while Spikes got one of their specialty smothered burritos.

Lunch consumed, we swung by Sporting Goods next door. The plethora of trout in the creeks and lakes we’ve been camping at have been teasing me, so I decided to do something about it. The gentleman in the shop recommended a couple gnat shaped flies and some fishing line. I plan to tie off on a stick to try my luck at catching some fish for dinner…we’ll see how it goes!

Next, we walked over to Good Earth Yogurt for some dessert. It was a neat spot, who specialized in frozen yogurt, wine and pie…so naturally we got some of each! I actually got a Sculpin IPA, but that’s neither here nor there.

The berry pie was out of this world! For our froyo we poured the perfect trifecta of salted caramel, rose water and pomegranate. YUM.

Bellies crammed, we headed back to the hotel to nap off our food hangover. I checked out a YouTube video of a dude cleaning a trout, so I’m basically a pro now!

A few hours of lounging about renewed our hiker hunger, so after drooling over the food porn pictures we found on Yelp, we decided to hit up Schat’s Roadhouse for some din din.

The place was rad. Great food, great prices, great service and great beer! I ordered the half rack of ribs with cilantro lime rice, potatoes salad and a basket of parmesan garlic fries, while Spikes went with the classic combo of a burger and a milkshake.

It was delicious, but after eating it all the trek back to our hotel was pretty painful.

Back in the room, sleep came quick. Dreaming of being back on the trail, I’m looking forward to tomorrow and what’s to come.

P.s. I’ll be back on trail tomorrow, so most likely won’t have service again until I reach Mammoth in a week or so. Until then!

Cheers!