13th August 2015
Mileage 31.5 (50.7)
Bushcamp (1966) to Bushcamp (1997.5)
Of all my 118 days on the PCT this would rate as one of my best days. For it is not everyday that I hike among volcanoes or tramp over lava fields or view stunning vistas.
It started with the stunning early morning views of ‘The Sisters’. Off in the distance I could see two large spire like peaks, Mt Washington and snow covered Mt Jefferson. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was to camp on the other side of Mt Washington this night.
Today was special. But it was also hard work. My poor shoes have suffered being on my feet for 1000 miles now. They are tired, worn out and in need of replacing, which will occur tomorrow. But for now the thin sole allowed me to feel every sharp volcanic rock and there were many today. The lava fields also made travel uphill a rather two steps forward one step back kinda day.
I caught up to an old hiking buddy from the desert, Ladies Man. We hiked and chatted for part of the day. I caught up with him maybe 10 days ago, prior to that I hadn’t seen him since the first week in the trail. The trail seems to work like that sometimes.
The hiking in the afternoon was similarly awesome except I had a rather hard time of it. My body refused to cooperate with my mind. I wanted to walk up this long hill through a lava field but found it too hard. I recruited my stomach to assist me.
On the middle of the trail I stopped and cooked an early dinner. This should cure all, I thought. And I was correct, 30 minutes later my body and mind had new found vitality. It was only the setting sun and darkness that stopped me, for I wanted to continue hiking.
It’s a strange thing that happens to the thru hikers body and mind. Several weeks ago 25 miles was a huge day, now it’s 30, I suspect in days to come it might be higher. I feel great.
Next : Day 119 I Just Hiked 2000 Miles
The Best information about the Pacific Crest Trail:
Complete Guide to the Pacific Crest Trail
Resupply Guide for the PCT
PCT Gear List
PCT Gear Review
I’m still following you, Brad, and still lovin’ the pics.
Are you taking your pictures with the phone that you are posting with, or didn’t I read that you have a Canon camera? Does the Canon automatically sync to wifi? How are you managing that?
Keep up the good hike, mate! Can’t wait for my daily dose of Shepherd!
Mike M, Riverside, CA
Thanks Mike. 99% of the photos are with the canon G16. I send the photos via wifi to my phone (using the canon app) then upload them to the blog when I have cell service or wifi. It took a while to get used to it but now it takes less than 5 minutes per day to sort and send my photos to the phone at the end of everydays hike.
Hiked a 25 mi loop around Three fingered Jack last weekend. Was really gorgeous… But super dusty. Meet some pct hikers : gene the machine, fifty, prickly pear,wild pony and some others. Gawd! Made me wanna go!!! You’re doing great ! Lovin the pics. Wondering how you fund all of your adventures !! Wow!
It’s certainly a great area, I don’t know the hikers you mention. At the end of the hike I will write about how I fund my adventures. Let me say it’s all self funded, I have no sponsorship.
Wow your photos are amazing! I think I would like this part of the trail as well. I would love to have a piece of that obsidian you saw! Keep up the good work!
Thanks, it was a great section
That’s a great section today. I love your shot of Opie Dildock Pass.
-GoalTech
Thanks Goaltech