Start point
Ash Camp and McCloud River, mile 1472
End point
Tentsite at mile 1490.5
Miles hiked
18.5
Wilderness area
Shasta National Forest
People I met
Shortcut
Rustler
Razor
Mad Hatter and Pacifico
Bartender
Cookie
The day on trail
Today was a lot of fun. I was able to start the day off refreshed after my river dip last night.
There was a pit toilet at the campsite. Normally this is a sought after feature because lots of people enjoy using a toilet of any sort over digging a cathole. I’m the opposite, because I don’t pack out TP and it’s easier to clean up with the bidet while squatting over a cathole rather than sitting on a commode.
This was whole different though, and not because it made the toilet better for me.
No. This was different because the toilet was less desirable to everyone.
The comments on FarOut said the toilet “could star in its own horror film” and that it was terrifying in every way.
It was. There were mystery stains all over the walls. There was a paper wasp nest. There were rodent droppings all over the mounts of the toilet lid and seat. The roof was shaggy, the walls were peeling, even the floor was suspicious. The entire structure had an aura of foreboding evil. An unopened can of tuna sat near the door, remnants of an overly optimistic visitor to yesterday’s trail magic.
Of course I had to use it.
I left the door open, though. The look of the situation was that if I closed the door, I’d be a missing person in 48 hours. I didn’t even stay inside to clean up: I hobbled outside into the bushes for that.
But I used it. And it wasn’t my soul that the facility kept, so that was a plus.
Leaving camp had a beautiful bridge.
After that the blowdowns continued. Some enterprising trail worker carved steps in some of the larger trees.
That was actually pretty great. It gave an easier way over the tree without the debris of massive pieces of log. I don’t know how it would work for horses, because the trail is graded for them as well, but it’s good for humans with working legs!
Nearing the intersection with I-5, I saw this sign and this really cool lizard. I think it’s some sort of skink but I’m not sure. He was happy to pose for me though, and I appreciated that.
I passed by some mushrooms, some bugs, and a really cool spherical shaped spider web.
I soon came to Squaw Valley Creek. Why we’re still using words like “squaw” confounds me. That aside, underneath the far sign for the creek was a paper plate with “trail magic” written on it!
I followed the trail up to the parking area where I found a gaggle of international hikers, a trail angel, and a massive supply of snacks, sodas, and stuff to make sandwiches.
We sat around and talked for a while. The rest of the group wasn’t able to make it to the magic, which bummed us all out.
It was nice to hang out and eat food I didn’t have to clean up. But eventually it was time to get water and finish the day with a long uphill climb.
Near the trail I saw some of the other hikers gathering water by the creek, so I went down to get some. Down there I met Kris, who likes to go foraging and camping. We had a really nice conversation about different things we’ve found while adventuring. It’s always nice to meet a kindred spirit and someone who’s my age out here, even if they’re not hiking the trail. So many hikers are in their 20s or 60s. The 35-45 crowd is too busy getting their kids set up for college — suckers.
Of course I had to miss the trail junction back to the PCT. This gave me a bonus three miles: a mile and a half each way. I can’t believe I missed it.
It was so obvious. I was just zoning out.
Back on track, I started the final climb to get to camp.
There was a junction where the trail had been moved, though the old markers were still up. Many of the blazes had been marked up.
Back on track, it was a long climb. It wasn’t especially steep, but there was no water at the top so I had extra weight carrying water.
I ran into Eva, who’d gotten ahead of me when I was turned around.
It really was just an exercise in getting into a groove and hiking, which is how I take my climbs. No reason to rush it; just find a pace, settle into it, and enjoy the hell out of moving my body.
A bit before camp I found this desiccated mushroom.
And finally, just before camp, there was a view of Shasta. We’ll be there soon!
