Another cold morning, as I woke with legs that felt like they were filled with concrete. Fortunately the trail was relatively easy, with only a slight hill at the beginning and end of the day. The real challenge became the mental fatigue and boredom. Mile after mile I would look at trees. Then I would catch a glimpse of a deer, or a distant view of Mt. Lassen, and I would think "there's my excitement for the next four hours."
After 17 miles my feet began acting up again. The hot spots were starting to rub and I became worried about blisters. I tried limping, but that only relieved part of the discomfort. Eventually I took my shoes off and tried hiking barefoot. I kept expecting sharp rocks or twigs to stick in the soft spots on my feet. When, after 2 miles, it didn't happen I realized that I don't have any soft spots left. That eased the discomfort until I got to Hat Creek Resort, where I stopped for a beer and a burger. I also managed to get a $3 shower, which I consider the best money I have ever spent.
I stocked up on snacks at the resort before moving on. My next resupply package was going to Burney, but that would require a 7 mile hitchhike into town. Instead, I called my parents to see if they could forward my package to Dunsmuir, 3 days further on. Until then I'll make do with the snacks I bought and the extra meals in my pack. After leaving the resort I got on a dirt road that I thought was the PCT. When I realized it wasn't I went cross country to regain the trail. Considering the terrain (pictured), which isn't ripe with landmarks, I felt pretty good about finding my way.
About 8 miles on I reached the top of the Hat Creek Canyon rim. Here a parking lot off highway 44 offers a convenient trailhead. I ran into a group of hikers gathered around a car. Tick Tock was there (he and I were playing leap frog all day). With him were Bobcat, One Step, Ryan, and Chimichanga. They had met up with Ryan's aunt and uncle, who were here to resupply Ryan and act as trail angels for any other hikers who might show up. The second I arrived Ryan's aunt gave me soda and apricot bars. What a treat. Ryan is trying to set a speed record for the PCT, averaging 48 miles a day. Still, his aunt and uncle made me feel like I was making great progress too. They gave me words of encouragement and a parting hug, which lifted my spirits more than the food and drink.
The Hat Creek rim, while dry, is a gorgeous hike. As the sun set behind storm clouds I hiked on. I admired wild flowers and the views down over a green valley and south to snow capped Mt. Lassen (pictured). If you came here before it gets too hot, you could do some easy but beautiful hiking. The only down side is that I have begun the longest dry stretch on the PCT. I have 30 miles before the next water source. Not to worry though, I met Firefly down at the resort. She is a retired trail angel - a sweet old lady who offered to let me camp in her yard and use her shower. She informed me that there is a water cache about 17 miles in. I eventually stopped as it grew dark and the first rain drops started falling. I made about 31 miles today and am feeling pretty good.
