Day 79 – Friday, Aug. 11


PCT Mile 1,229.5 to PCT Mile 1,257.4
Day Total: 27.9 Miles

The trail today was different than anything we had hiked before. We crossed more roads, mostly dirt but a few paved, than we saw people.

We got to a road this morning and walked along it to a creek that flowed under the road. We filtered water and then ate breakfast as we watched several large logging trucks go by. This isn't the kind of protected wilderness we had gotten used to. The trail here goes through multiple-use forest.

In the afternoon we hiked way down to the Middle Fork of the Feather River. The river was raging, but there was an eddy that made for a great little swimming spot. We took a refreshing dip and filled our water before starting a massive 3,000 foot climb out of the canyon. It was one of the biggest climbs we've had yet on the trail.

We listened to some podcasts and marched up the green tunnel of switchbacks that continued for some nine miles up out of the Feather River canyon. Eventually, just after 8 p.m, we made it to Lookout Rock, a cool outcrop that provided expansive views of the green valley below.

We set up the tent and realized that we had left Luci behind.

Who, you might be wondering, is Luci?

Luci is the inflatable, solar-powered lantern that we hang in the tent at night. Stephen had put it in the sun to charge during lunch. When we moved to a shadier spot and packed up we never thought to go back to get her.

It was a sad realization since Luci had become such an integral part of our tent time. Hopefully we can find a replacement in one of the upcoming towns.

(Update: a new Luci is on order and on the way ;-)


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