“Breakfast at Cache 22!” was our get-up motto today! It was already warm at 5:30am — a hot day was coming. We passed a bunch of the guys just getting up from their camp at the old fire lookout. Some of them passed us, also eager for the cache! By the time we got there, only 3 beers were left. We each got one. Beer (warm) is actually a nice breakfast drink to have with granola, which is what we did.

Many others soon arrived, both NOBO and SOBO, till there was quite a gathering. We didn’t linger too long– hoping to reach Burney Falls– so headed out. Sometimes the trail goes right to the edge of the Rim– very dramatic dropoffs! And the wildflowers are still blooming, especially Indian Paintbrush.

Eventually the PCT “comes in for a landing” back down in the lava beds of the valley below. The lava still looks fresh– no lichen on it or signs of wear. Amazing! It was a very warm day, and by the time we reached the fish hatchery to get water, I was very happy to splash myself with water to cool off! We walked on around beautiful blue Baum Lake and into the forest again; by just after 7:00pm we reached Burney Falls State Park store, which was due to close for the day at 8:00pm.

Lots of hikers were there! So it was a scramble to get our box, “go shopping,” and eat dinner! I had hoped to take a shower, but there was no time before we had to head out.

Walk with Aragorn to Isengard: Reach trampled Orc camp in Rohan

I went over to Georgi’s house at 6:00am, hoping for thread to mend my pants, and was not disappointed– Georgi was up and just as chipper and lively as ever. My poor pants were in dire need of another patch! Breakfast was provided by Warner Springs Monty and Goodfoot–what a feast!

Afterward, Noga, Evan and I washed up everything– BIG job! Then a lot of folks headed for the trail, but we headed for the Internet to find some way to contact Polaroid about our misbehaving camera. Finally found the product support number, waited on hold forever and the bottom line was, they wouldn’t fix it, but did tell us an alternate way to turn the camera on and off. So oh well, we’ll just deal with it.

Around noon, we and some other hikers were ready to head out (finally!) so after lunch at the Old Station Store, off we went, full of good food. The miles up to the Hat Creek Rim seemed to just fly by and soon we were cheering at the sight of Mt. Shasta! The Rim trail is indeed very rough and rocky and has lots of weed seed stickers waiting to get into your socks, but the awesome views are worth it. We found a quiet place to camp with a view to the east.

Walk with Aragorn to Isengard: Enter the northern downs of Rohan

Well, all the hikers (including us) had to scramble at around 2am when a bit of rain blew through. Bill simply draped our tarp over the net tent we were already in because of the mosquitoes, and by 5am when we got up, all our stuff was dry. By breakfast time we were at Stover Springs, where a number of hikers had camped. Many were planning to reach Drakesbad by afternoon, shower, swim and have dinner there. But I hatched a crazy idea of making it there for lunch, so began hiking as fast as I could.

Much of it was in forest with little to see, but I really enjoyed the glimpses of Mt. Lassen above green meadows. Took a Snickers break at the North Fork of the Feather River– several other hikers were also there relaxing. Then we really turned on the afterburners and reached Lassen Park boundary by 11:45am. Bill went on ahead (beat me by 10 minutes in the end) and we hurried through the woods. At Boiling Springs Lake, I did stop briefly to talk to a French family, who were already talking to another PCT hiker.

I raced on and came panting up to Drakesbad just in time for employee lunch! Whew! Bill and I totally pigged out and waddled off up the trail, stopping at Lower Twin Lake for water. The lake was beautiful, but the mosquitoes were numerous! We went another mile and camped– net tent is a blessing!

Walk with Aragorn to Isengard: Find Pippin’s brooch, enter Rohan

Today’s hike was what I call “The Big Walk Around Ruffa Ranch.” The ranch is down in a valley below, and the trail circles it on all the crests and ridges. But because we were up high, the views were splendiferous– Mt. Lassen, Lake Almanor, even the Sacramento Valley. Wildflowers were abundant– all in rock garden style among the lava boulders and formations.

Water was in short supply– we loaded up at Cold Springs with plenty! Water here may be scarce, but when you find it– wow, is it cold and good! So with great views (not just forests) we enjoyed our “crest tour.” Then came a climb of Butt Mountain and the long, long, mostly viewless downhill to Highway 36. When we got there– wow! Hidden behind a huge log was a wonderful hiker cache with cold soda, fruit– even bagels! We ate some, then I went across the road to try to help Ann, who was trying to hitch a ride into Chester. She was very discouraged.

I got out my huge “Pacific Crest Trail Hiker” sign I made on my Ridgerest and stood with her, but no luck. All the cars roared by. Finally I had to go camp– I think she decided to, also.

Walk with Aragorn to Isengard: East Wall of Rohan

I got up at 6:30 to see about making coffee for all the hikers, and discovered that the Braatens had left two big platters of watermelon slices and fresh chocolate zucchini muffins. A nice appetizer, but soon we were all making the 0.25 mile trek down the road to the Caribou Restaurant for big hiker breakfasts.

Next we got a ride to the Post Office and were greatly relieved to find our box waiting, but still disappointed because we’d hoped for an early start in the cool of the morning. It’s a 14 mile long 5,000+ foot climb up out of Belden, at first going up the Chips Creek canyon, then on up into the mountains.

The trail at first was in much better shape than 2005. It was hot, but many creeks crossed our path– at one of them a hiker was pouring water over herself! I was hiking under my umbrella. Finally we got to the end of nice trail and were once again climbing over and around blowdowns, fording creeks, and even dealing with a bit of snow. But we reached the top and amazing views by suppertime. A number of young guys passed us– they are on a tear to be in Chester tomorrow night!

Walk to Rauros: West bank near Amon Hen