Last night it rained long and hard we had planned to get up at 5:30 and hit the trail at six, but it sounded as if the rain was just starting to taper off a little at 5:30 so we waited 30 minutes and it actually stopped just in time for us to pick up camp and head out at 6:45 . The temperature is comfortable. There’s a heavy morning fog and a Trail is about 50% patchy Snow 50% clear.
We’ve been going through an area of trail that is completely and totally overgrown by brush and with the rain it’s like you are walking through a car wash. I don’t know if you can pick it up in this picture but if you look at the right hand sleeve it is completely soaked. The left hand sleeve is dry. The right hand side is on the uphill side so the bushes come up to my shoulders on the right hand side they only come to my hips.
I came upon this Creek that used to have a nice snow bridge across it. As you can see it has collapsed. Went downhill a bit below the snowfield, and then climbed back up to get around it.
This beautiful Mountain Pride is growing right on the side of a rock face.
Streams, the log man, and mule deer….. the video will explain it firsthand but after taking some trail video of some streams I saw a couple deer in front of me as I was videoing them I ran into Log Man who was coming southbound. He carries a 20 pound log with him and he is doing it to raise money for charity. His information is all on Instagram and he gives his info on the video. I hope you enjoy.
Another stream that was previously covered with snow but it is now collapsing in above the water
Another gorgeous stream I just crossed
Another example of natures power we have one tree fell onto the bifurcation of another and split it right down the middle. The tree is still standing though.
I recorded a video of my crossing of an unnamed stream. There were some rocks in front of the trail, but they were slippery and it was a large step. I searched around and found this log just up the stream
These moss covered rocks, on the hillside, caught my attention as I was walking by
Lush, green mountain side across the valley from the trail
Another beautiful spot to fill up water, as I continue down Trail, I pass stream after stream all of them beautiful in their own way.
I found this Rainbow Iris. And a Baldhip Rose. Shield Ferns are appearing regularly on the trail now as well. The Common Bracken is another fern I am seeing regularly.
As we came to the trail head by our camping spot tonight, we found another blessing from a Trail angel. There were charging blocks for your electronics, first aid supplies, lots of different snacks, and even a couple of camp chairs to sit in.
We are camping along the McCloud river in a campground called Ash campground. It’s normally fairly busy with car campers; However, the road has been closed because it is deemed unsafe so there is no one here. My tent is set up next to the river with a beautiful sound of rushing waters.
Today’s PCT miles hiked 15.6
Total PCT Miles hiked to date 928.1
PCT mile marker 1470.9
(Flipped over 542.8 miles)
