Day 82 – Monday, Aug. 14

PCT Mile 1,298.0 to PCT Mile 1328.8, Chester
Day Total: 30.8 miles

What a day. Woof.

Today was exciting and big, but I am totally and completely exhausted.

We got up early and packed up in quickly. It was chilly and we enjoyed the first five miles of mostly downhill hiking in our jackets. We passed the 1,300 mile mark and stopped for a few photos, knowing that wasn't going to be the only major landmark we passed today.

We got to Cold Springs, a water source about 100 yards off the trail, and filled up. I noticed on the map app that the next two springs were each .3 miles off the PCT, and then the one after that was .7.

I know we've walked 1,300 miles, but adding .7 miles EACH WAY for water seemed insurmountable. So instead we decided to carry enough to go 22 miles to the next creek that crosses the trail. That much water is heavy, but we are heading into town tonight, so we aren't carrying much food.

We decided it was worth saving that little distance.

We walked through some dramatic volcanic rocks along a high ridge and had great views of Mount Lassen. The highlight of the day was passing the PCT halfway marker! Mile 1,325.

We sang the halfway there song, took photos, and signed the trail register that was tucked inside an ammo can. We met four other northbounders at the marker that we hadn't met before. It was a cool reminder of how much the second half of the trail will have to offer.

It was nearly all downhill from there to the road into town.

We got to the road just before 8 p.m., and got picked up by a nice couple that run a ski and bike shop. They drove us into Chester and pointed out everything we could need.

We ate a huge dinner at the Red Kettle diner and celebrated hiking half of the trail. What a wild thing to think about!

We've been hiking for a long time.

We've had so many incredible experiences.

We've had so many challenging experiences.

Met so many people.

Feet hurt so bad.

Been so hungry I want to cry.

Been so happy I've started to cry.

Been way too hot.

Been freezing.

And we've hiked half of the trail.

I'm excited to see what kinds of experiences the north half will provide.