Belden to Bushcamp
28.7 miles
Mile 1315.3
Morning came quicker than I’d have liked. My feet screamed as I walked gingerly to the bathroom. I felt better after the shower, despite it’s not quite hot enough water. After some coffee and a snickers bar, we finished packing and left our room to find the trail.
The day started off with a short, but sketchy road walk.
After playing frogger through traffic we made it to the trailhead where we found an old stamp mill.
From there, the trail began what would be a 5000 ft ascent over 14 miles…
We were moving slow, but not as slow as this guy.
The beginning of our ascent consisted mostly of the charred remains of long dead trees.
Eventually we climbed up above the burn area, entering into Lassen National Forest.
We spent the rest of the morning ascending through lush forest, crossing waterfalls and creeks every mile or so.
Towards the top of the climb the trail opened up quite a bit.
When I reached the highest point, I found a nice rock to chill on to take advantage of the phone signal I’d found to upload some blogs.
Spikes caught up to me while I knocked out my chores. Half an hour later I was heading back down the mountain in pursuit of Spikes.
There were TONS of butterflies on trail.
As the day progressed water became more scarce, so I was forced to collect water from a less than desirable source. This would be the first time in over 600 miles that I filtered my water.
From there the trail meandered through differing terrain until I reached our campground where Spikes was waiting.
I arrived at camp just past 7 to find Spikes prepping her dinner. I laid out my ground sheet to join her for the meal.
Shortly after I’d arrived a hiker named Tags walked up. Turns out he was about a week behind us in the Sierra, so had utilized my blog for the snow report. The three of us chatted for a bit before he decided to setup camp nearby.
Spikes and I were both feeling absolutely beat from the long day and intense climb, so sleep came easy.
Cheers!
Looks like you both had a hard day. Sweet dreams with beer and pizza and ice cream chaser.
Lv u G
Love the awesome pics from today’s hike and the sign pointing to Canada 🇨🇦You are my fav hikers👍🐻🙏😘
Hey Austin ~
I like the wooden bridge pics. I would be tempted to take a break at each one.
With the big miles you’re logging every day is your body chirping in any new places?
When hiking alone do you ever feel someone/some thing is watching you or does your music make you glide along?
As always, great pics and descriptive trail vibes.
Cheers!
Hey Roger,
Yeah, the bridges are always neat. My body feels solid, after the Sierra I think it can get through just about any beating.
Nope, I don’t ever feel that way. I’m either deep in thought scheming my next adventure or jamming out to tunes.
Cheers!
Austin
Great Blog! Thanks for sharing! Good luck!
Thanks Jeff!
Austin and Paige (Spikes),
Very inspiring blog and great, great photos.
I am a good friend of Tim and Cynthia Topoles (parents of Paige) – I check your progress every day.
You inspired me, last weekend I camped out in Malakoff State Park (near Nevada City, CA), I drove, I hiked, I unloaded my car,
put up my tent, fine dined in Nevada City, saw a movie. This outdoor life is just magnificent and so easy!
Don’t forget to checkout Cinder Cone in Lassen Natl Park eastside (a perfect cone volcano that you can climb and walk inside),
then cool off in the spray of Burney Falls (State Park). These sites are both close by the PCT.
Thanks for sharing your great trek along the Pacific Crest Trail.
Stay safe.
John Smithies
Hi John!
Thanks for reaching out! Glad you’re enjoying the blog and following along. It sounds like you had quite the outdoor adventure!
We already passed through Lassen and missed the Cinder Cone, but we’ll definitely swing by Burney Falls!
Thanks again!
Austin
Austin,
Unless you are updating your blog late, you on the approach to Cinder Cone in Lassen Natl Park.
It located to the east of Prospect Peak – Fairfield Peak line, just north of Snag Lake, about a mile or less from PCT.
You will be walking on cinder, which can be difficult as climbing uphill you slip one step for every three steps forward.
The cone is not that high – 20 mins climb.
And you guys are now in shape.
I thought it was amazing, and I have seen a lots of volcanoes. (It is not active).
You make me hungry, looking at all the food photos.
The food must be magnificent after eating astronaut food and hiking all day.
Have fun out there.
John
Hey John,
The blog is usually a couple days behind. I have to find some solid LTE bars to get the photos uploaded.
We had to get through the park in one day since a bear canister is required for camping inside the boundaries. We did swing by the Subway Cave yesterday, just outside the park. That was neat.
Cheers!
Austin
Austin,
Great pictures and narrative today!!! I so enjoy keeping up with your progress and adventures!
Lois
Thanks Lois!