July 22nd
Sunrise was very nice, the coolest time of day, a thin streak of rose colored dawn drawing across the sky and expanding ever higher until the sun broke above the horizon. We ate a great breakfast of peaches and red seedless grapes saved from Marsha and her families treats.
A couple of miles down the trail we passed the “cow piss” pond I had camped near and used for water in 1994. THAT had been excruciating, filtering until the filter clogged completely, boiling for 10 minutes and double dosing with Iodine, AND then only being able to gag down a half quart………thankfully this time around the pond was more clear, and even more thankfully we were full with water from the cache.
Exactly 3 months ago today we started hiking north from the Mexican border. We celebrate with a return t those same desert conditions in which we started. HOT, at least 100F today, and full of thigh-scratching chaparral.
Dropping down off the Hat Creek rim we swing west and begin a traverse of the hills, which form the fringe of highlands just south of Mt. Shasta. The volcanic soil is dry and there is only one water source for all of today’s 25 miles. Its drink all you can stand and then carry all you can. By day’s end I am sure I have consumed over 2 and a half gallons of water.
We make it to Burney Falls State Park by 6pm. Other hikers are hanging out in the shade near the store. There are very expensive cold dinks and ice cream from the store and all of us hikers are motivated buyers.
Originally we had planned to pass through here and get a few more miles in, but we end up getting milk shakes from the grill and a can of chili from the store. Eventually we find a campsite in the hike and bike in area along with several other hikers including ZigZag, Phoenix and Peaches and Fox Sparrow and Grant.
The camp showers call us and the hot water actually feels nice in the cool night air. We meet up with Brit and Nate who have left the trail for a few days from Beldon to come to Burney to meet Nate’s family. They will return to Beldona and continue their hike in a few days. We have a mini reunion with hikers we haven’t seen for a month and who we may not see again on the trail as their hiking schedule is about two weeks behind ours. But for now we are all together, such is the linear aspect of the trail community. Nate’s Mom has been following our journal and brings us a feast of whiskey, leftover grilled salmon, tossed green salad and chocolate cake ….. mmmmmm …. trail magic
