Unknown campsite to Red’s Meadow Campground. Today’s miles – 14.7. Total trip miles – 230.6.
Awoke with more than usual enthusiasm & anticipation because — I recalled from when I hiked this stretch 5 years ago (after heavy rains the day before), the many wildflowers seemed “recharged” & brighter after a long dry spell; start to finish elevation descended 1,800 feet; and the day would finish at Red’s Meadow Campground for a planned zero day.
And the day didn’t disappoint! The flowers flowered, the streams streamed, and the rock views rocked!
Also saw quails, my 1st California brown bear, Devil’s Postpile National Monument, and pack mule cowboy Jim.
Which is a good time to mention that it’s interesting how the mind (mine, anyway) remembers details (like specific rocks, flowers, & campsites) with such clarity from 5 years ago. Perhaps a function of being on trail for weeks now, leaving the “before” behind, clearing the “junk drawer” of your mind, & freeing it to be in the present.
Anyway, ended up crushing 14.7 miles…well, the first 12 miles anyway until I “bonked”, when the trail turned hot, sweaty & dusty, and I turned into a tired sweaty mess. Arrived at Red’s in mid-afternoon, but no time to mess around. Laundry, shower, resupply box, tent setup, & dinner at Mule House Cafe awaited. More tomorrow!
Opositivehikes.com
#pct2026 #pacificcresttrail #californiahikes
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Jerry does a lot of things.
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