7/27/20; mile: 1,378; elevation: 4,383 ft.
Today was a day of firsts. I haven’t had a new first on this trip in a long while, so I certainly made up for lost time. But I’ll get to them later. Let’s start with an early rise and walking alone into the park. Less than 2-miles away is a side trail to a place called Terminal Spring. It’s the first volcanic feature along the PCT in Lassen and is quite a sight to see. Next is Boiling Springs Lake. And after that, another well known stop on the PCT, Drakesbad Guest Ranch. Many hikers either stop by for a meal and/or camp at the nearby campground (with bear boxes, so no bear cannister needed). For me, I won’t do either since I’m at the wrong time. I need to make some miles. But the trail through the meadows here is unique. Periodically, you’ll see steam just billowing out of the ground at random places. It certainly made me nervous, fearful of the trail collapsing under my feet into a boiling caldron.
I take a short stop at the campground to dump some trash into the dumpster and then continue northwards. The steep climb slows me down so some of my camp mates from last night start passing me. And then raindrops start coming down. Nothing torrential, just some big drops looking for my glasses to torment me. It’s interesting how hiking amongst other thru hikers how I get competitive. Or is it more of a fear of missing out? Whatever the reason, I get near the front of the group again when we get to Lower Twin Lake. And then the slinky compresses. It’s time to swim!
This is my first lake swim of my journey. Why did I wait so long? This water isn’t fresh snow melt. It’s quite pleasant to really swim, not just dunk the body, though my lack of upper body strength can’t handle too many strokes. But it sure feels good. Most of my trail mates join in, and we all just enjoy the shade and a break from hiking. I take the opportunity to rinse my clothes while stopped, knowing that I’m a couple of days from a real wash.
I little while after leaving the lake, the trail tops out in a shallow saddle and enters a burn zone. Lot’s of downed trees as well as standing dead. Normally, this would be a hot and dry walk, but the threatening thunderstorms give some shade and reduced temps. Nothing like walking exposed in a T-storm… Six miles after the lake, I stop again for water just off trail in a meadow. It’s hard to find and deep in channel surrounded by tall grass. Thanks to Guthooks for directions on getting this water. The next reliable source is 6 miles away. And then comes the rain. The clouds have been threatening, and I’ve been hoping to out-hike them, but they seem to building right over me. I tried waiting it out under the tree canopy as some of the others passed me by, but the clouds didn’t look like they were going anywhere soon, so off I go. Time to just slug it out.
The trail gets fun looking as it turns west near Badger Mountain, and it goes downhill. By now the rain is dissipating and the miles just keep flying by. Once down in the flatter sections, the trail enters a tree farm. It’s really kind of eerie. These trees are like 12-18 inches in diameter, planted in rows. The trail just goes straight for like ever, periodically crossing a dirt road. It’s like you’re trespassing in someone’s orchard, but there’s nobody around. Yup, just eerie. Twenty three miles into my day, I finally reach the next reliable water at Hat Creek where some of the others are taking a break. This is the first place I had in mind to camp for the night. But it’s not really late enough, I’m feeling kind of fresh, and the others are hiking on as well. Nothing like a little competition to motivate one’s self.
By the time I reach the closest approach to the nearest road where some of the others are jumping off the official trail to head into Old Station, I’ve passed the marathon mark for my day. My first marathon day! Not wishing to miss any of the trail, I stay on point and parallel the road northwards, above “town”. It’s exhilarating to know that town is just right there, yet I’m up here marching on going for my biggest day. The store in Old Station closes at 7 pm….I just might make it. On downhills I start running. On uphills, I maintain my pace. I’m on an adrenaline high. Just before the trail makes it’s closest approach to the Old Station store, I hit 30 miles for the day! A new personal best. When I get to the road crossing where I finally get off the trail, I have to scratch my mark in the trail. I get to the store at 7:15; too late to buy victory beers but it doesn’t matter. The Cuddle Puddle is already there and have more than enough to share.
God damn what a day! I’ll probably suffer tomorrow for my effort today. But to push yourself to such an extreme and still feel good about it is just indescribable. What can I NOT do?
Savior out.