Just Walking has known me for only two days and he offhandedly comments that I “know everyone on trail.” Spending a day in Quincy (one of my top three trail towns) to relax and resupply. Seeing tons of friends at the bar in Belden, then having to drag myself away after two hours of socializing to climb six miles uphill instead.
Having my worst day on trail so far, ending with struggling to set up my tent and bursting into tears in front of a dozen people at camp. Appreciating the unsurprising graciousness and kindness of everyone, then sheepishly apologizing the next morning for my emotional outburst.
A visual cacophony of butterflies leading me to the midpoint of the Pacific Crest Trail, and later finding out a group of butterflies is called a kaleidoscope. Reaching the midpoint with friends cheering me in and a half dozen of us celebrating 1,325 miles hiked so far. Orbiting a new trail family, professional chef Tony Tomato cooking us all dinner in Chester, and cherishing that thru-hiking is about so much more than hiking.
Back on trail, walking through whitethorn for miles and miles in shorts, skin scratched raw, and vowing to become a whitethorn murderer when I grow up. Adding a side quest to Cinder Cone in Lassen National Park and accidentally hiking 28 miles for the day. But Cinder Cone, with its lava fields, painted dunes, and 360 degree view, is absolutely fascinating and totally worth it.
Cat joining me on trail for two days, walking through lava tubes, and oohing + ahhing at Lassen Peak and Mount Shasta every chance we get. Reflecting on Moonshine’s (Class of 24) incredibly adventurous life and the impact she unknowingly left on the people around her. A terrific campsite with sunset views of Lassen and Shasta, sharing a tent, and falling asleep chatting about Cat’s plan for the Appalachian Trail next year.
Breakfast trail magic from Breakfast Club (Class of 25), including ice cream at 9am. Hiking with Martin for the rest of the day, chatting about forest views versus mountain views, and landing in Burney for two neros.