PCT Day 96

Bushcamp to Ashland

18 miles

Mile 1718.7

I woke up on my deflated sleeping pad comforted by the thought of the new pad waiting for me in the Ashland post office. We packed up and we’re on our way towards town by 5.

The trail was a breeze. The tread was excellent, weather ideal and flat for the most part.

As per usual when close to town, we moved quick. We were told about an Indian food buffet in Ashland while in Etna, so thoughts of Tandoori chicken, naan and curry dominated my thoughts.

I passed some awesome trail magic, two coolers stacked with soda and a register. Welcome to Oregon!

Just before 11 I rolled up to Interstate 5, where I found Spikes patiently waiting for me. Right when we walked down to the road to grab a hitch a truck pulled up. It turns out the driver was a hiker dropping other hikers off at the trail before heading back to Ashland, so we scored a hitch into town with him.

Our ride dropped us off downtown in front of Taj, the Indian buffet. They didn’t open for 30 minutes, so we grabbed drinks at a tea house across the street. I had an iced chai tea and Spikes the Taste of Prague.

Drinks drank, it was time to eat. We headed into Taj to attack the buffet. It was fresh and full of flavor.

A couple plates later we’d had our fill, so headed out to begin our chores. First stop was the post office, where I picked up the new Neo Air sleeping pad REI had sent me. Spikes’ resupply box wasn’t there yet, so we’d try again tomorrow.

Next, I swung by a business essentials shop to ship my old sleeping pad back to REI, before meeting Spikes at the local gear shop. When I arrived she was in line with her new trekking poles.

After that, we swung by Growler Guys for a beer break before heading over to Safeway to pickup my resupply. Chores done, we walked down the street to the Flagship Hotel to checkin to our room.

After showering, I took our dirty clothes to a laundromat to be laundered. An hour later I was on my way back to the hotel when I ran into a buddy of mine I hadn’t seen since Walker Pass. While chatting I’d learned he’d skipped the Sierra with another buddy of mine, Shit Gust.

Back in our room I organized my resupply and laundry before walking over to La Casa Del Pueblo for some Mexican grub. Spikes and I shared nachos and an enchilada while slurping down a margarita.

After dinner we met our buddies downtown for a beer at an Irish pub. It was a fine spot, but the live band drowned out any attempt at conversation with their funky jams.

By 10 Spikes and I called it a night, heading back to our hotel to unwind to some TV before falling asleep.

P.s. Thanks for supporting the beer fund Crisco!

Cheers!