Sept. 25, Sun.–24.8 miles–No. CA O

Sunday, September 25th, 2005

Sun. Sept. 25    Miles today: 24.8     Total so far: 2,393.7         Miles to go: 245.2        No. CA Section O

The wind was still blowing hard when we started getting up in the dark at 6:00am, on a clear,  43 degree morning.  In fact, last night, the wind blew pine needles all over us and our gear!  We gladly headed down the trail toward Deer Creek, because that took us OUT of the wind.  While we collected some water there, I was admiring the “umbrella plants”.  They were taller than I am, with HUGE leaves! 

For some time after that, we were following all the ins and outs of Deer Creek’s canyon, and this meant lots of “side creek” crossings and very little sun, since the canyon was so deep.  We FINALLY got to a sunpatch and Bill stopped to just stand in it, saying, “Ahh, sun!”  He seemed to be feeling better today.  More winding in and out of canyons finally got us to the roaring, often turquoise blue, McCloud River.  It looked like a fisherman’s dream come true, and sure enough, there were lots of fisherguys out in their hip waders among the whitewater pools and cascades.  The PCT crossed the river (on a bridge, thank goodness!) and then quickly climbed up well above the river.  For quite a ways, though, there were “fishertrails” going from the PCT down to the river! 

Meanwhile, we were embarked on the over 1,500 foot “climb of the day”.  We were still climbing at lunchtime.  I was cooking up a pot of fettucine and veges, and I asked Bill to cut up the “Slim Jim” jerky I’d bought at Burney Falls.  When I looked back, Bill was using his walking stick for a cutting board!  Great idea! 

Today, as usual, finding water was a constant concern.  Most of the time it was 12-14 miles betwen places to get water.  We try to go to springs or headwaters of creeks as much as possible, since we just drink the water without treating it or filtering it.  All day today, we were hiking in various creek canyons.  It was a very warm day, but that was no problem to us–we were in the shade all day!  Our only views were when the trees thinned out enough that we could see the other side of the canyon or down the canyon.  The last creek we crossed today was Squaw Creek, which has a curving, narrow “swimming hole” just below its bridge.  On a warm afternoon, it looked SO inviing!  But we needed more miles, so we walked on by.

Our campsite at the end of the day ended up being near where the PT crosses a “mishmash” road junction where several roads come together.  It was the only reasonably flat place we could find.   And surprise, after several chilly days and nights, there was no wind and it was so warm that the crickets were singing!  And we cheered at the thought, “Maybe the weather will hold OK till we make it back to Ashland and the finish line!”

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