Day 92 into Etna

We started walking out of camp at 6:38 towards the highway 3 / PCT trail crossing where we hope to find a quick ride down to the town of Etna.

Today, like most mornings, I start out with the motto “be bold start cold” and hike vigorously for the first 30 minutes in search of sun and body warmth. Quickly you then search for a cool breeze in the shade. I found sun in about 15 minutes.

Looking out to my left from the trail is this valley dropping down through the mountains. The second picture shows our campsite a little below to the left of where the sun is the beginning, the peak is the one I could see out of my tent last night.

I reached the saddle I talked about in the video, and the trail, indeed does stay on the side of the mountain, and just passes along the top of the saddle.

Well, I got lazy and I paid a price. I got to a little snow slope and it felt fairly soft so I kicked my steps right up to the top, no problem. I got to a flat section and did not kick a step, reached out with a little bit longer stride then I should’ve and my foot slipped.  I slid down about 8 feet to dirt below. I would like to say it was a glasaid, but actually, I fell on my butt and slid down unintentionally. Jelly and TC were about 100 yards back on the trail. They said it was a pretty spectacular slide.

We are still encountering water covered trail. We have to pick and choose each step carefully along rocks or plants to stay out of the stream.

Today’s Trail continues to offer a wide-open views on a regular basis

I’ve come to this pretty meadow in the middle of the forest with this small stream running through it. I filtered a bottle of water and had some alone time talking with God and reading a couple of devotions. I feel so close to Him on the trail.

I’ve come to yet another pretty water feature

Both of these views are ones where I just kind of stop and look, causing me to take in the beauty

We arrived to Scott mountain summit right at the Siskiyou County line. There’s a large parking area here and a campground. Highway 3 runs through here. It’s not widely traveled, but we are hoping for a hitch into Etna.

We got a ride within 30 minutes from an friendly couple, Wayne and Kay, returning from visiting their grandchildren in Oregon.

Once dropped off in Etna, it was errand time. We went to the outfitter and exchanged some Darn Tough socks that had holes. I bought replacement tips for my trekking poles, we did a food resupply, and of course we ate real food for lunch and dinner. By the way, there’s still an actual phone booth in Etna!

Etna city park allows camping they have installed a shower and charging station for our electronics. 

Today’s PCT miles hiked 10.6

Total PCT Miles hiked to date 1017.4

PCT mile marker 1561.4

(Flipped over 542.8 miles)