August 5th
We awoke to a heavy dew as well as some frost covering the tent and the food bags which lay outside the tent. Thick clouds filled the valley just below the saddle on which we were camped. Long fingers of clouds filling all the valleys around but leaving the ridges and peaks exposed to the sun as daylight breaks above.
Toek and Ruth walked by as we were breaking camp, both decked out in wool hats, gloves and jackets. The Carrot and I broke out our long sleeves and fleece hats. The whole scene was much more like a day in autumn than in August. We would see them both throughout the day.
We are moving further into the Siskyous, a gentle mountain range, and with more man made intrusions such as roads, logging and cattle. From several vantage points we were able to get a good look back at the ridge we first ascended out of Seiad and be able to mark our progess. In the afternoon we finally arrived at the CA-Oregon border and marked the occasion with a long lunch, lingering over register entries from all who have passed this point this year as well as last. Although the border is little more than an imaginary line, a political boundary bearing very little relationship with the natural surroundings, somehow this is a significant milestone. Mentally it is very uplifting.
Oregon, on my mind
for a long long time
Finally, we leave California behind
and hike on to Oregon,
and the promised land beyond
But entering Oregon does not cure all ailments. My right heel has a blister on its inside from shoes that have deteriorated. It began forming a week or two ago and has steadily gotten worse. I keep telling my feet, “just one more day” and we will be in Ashland where we can treat you to new shoes. The feet listen, but still insist on complaining.
At dinner we feast on Ruth’s turkey chili and rice from the Seiad valley hiker box. After dinner we hike on a few more miles until just before dark. Despite our late start we still manage to get in 25 miles for the day. The push is on to make Ashland as early as possible.
