PCT Day 95 The Castle Crags Vortex

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20th July 2015

Mileage 0

Castle Crags Campground (1506.5) 

The plan was to hit the trail late in the afternoon when we were well rested and the weather was cooler. Things didn’t go to plan. The day was spent being incredibly lazy. The overnight noise from the nearby interstate freeway and freight trains was not enough to interupt my sleep. I slept late, ate constantly, hydrated often and picked up my post packages. 

Hikers congregated under the shade of the largest tree near the Chevron Gas Station. It was a spectacle. Dirty, smelly hikers with worn out dirty clothing sprawled out on the grass.

Travellers would stare at us as they filled their vehicles. Sometimes we refer to ourselves as ‘Hiker Trash’. It’s a term of endearment, a badge of honour.

As the heat increased Teflon, Minty Fresh and I went to the nearby Sacramento River for a swim. The cold water defeated me. I got knee deep but couldn’t make it any further. The cold water had a rather disturbing affect on my feet. I lost my 6th and 7th toenail for the hike.

That’s right I have lost 7 toenails. It wasn’t painful. I think I am the current class of 2015 lost toenail leader! I think I lost more toenails than Cheryl Stayed!

Late afternoon a thunderstorm approached. The weather radar looked like we were going to get smashed. We didn’t. But the plan of getting back on trail changed when Tomtit, Bushtit, Scoobie, Whole Roll and Mr & Mrs Smith forced me to drink a beer. Sucked into the vortex. Damn you vortex.

Teflon escaped the vortex at about 6pm. We will leave early tomorrow and walk together to Etna. My body really needed the rest.

Warning! Gross photo of toenail below, viewers discretion advised!

hiker trash
toenail number 7
the vortex, castle crags campground

Next : Day 96 Tropic Thunder

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

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About the Author:
Brad is an Australian who has completed the hiking Triple Crown after he hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and Appalachian Trail. He has hiked on every continent (except Antarctica) and has cycled from Alaska to Ecuador. He is an expert on outdoor gear currently living in Chile.

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7 thoughts on “PCT Day 95 The Castle Crags Vortex”

  1. The cold water causes you to lose toenails.? Another blog i read, she lost a toenail and both thumb nails because of a rare side effect to antibiotics for Lyme disease and sun light.

    Reply
  2. The 2 PM ice cold one that lasted all day. It was probably a very good idea not to get any deeper in the ice cold Sac river than your knees.

    Reply
  3. Great pictures and insightful commentary as always.

    I noticed you have not mentioned humming bird lately and she has not posted to her own blog in about a week. Is she still on the trail or did her bad ankle finally do her in?

    Reply

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