7/19/20; mile: 1,224; elevation: 6,335 ft.
I had gotten word that some friends of mine were riding dirt bikes in the area during this weekend. Do you know what that means? Food and beer! The catch? They were back at the ridge that I descended after leaving Mark and Mia. Oh, and I had to find them. No cell reception up here.
Last nights camp site was a solo affair, save for the mosquitos (for a little while). Thankfully the morning chill kept them at bay for the morning movement. After that it was an enjoyable saunter in the morning. I had hiked a bit of this a couple of years ago, and knew that creeks and streams were prevalent. No heavy water carry for me this morning! I passed through the Pack Saddle Campground (where my buddies and I had staged our dirt bike rides the previous year ) at 0700, and continued on. This again is new trail, but it has plenty of water, even this late in the year.
Once I climb up to the ridge again, it’s kind of a pill to find an easy way to the dirt road so I can go hunt down my buddies. Since the trail realignment, indications on the ground and what is on the mapping softwares don’t match. But I can read a topo map, so off I go. I pass by many four wheeler campsites, and see a lot of mountain bikers as well. Try as I might, I can’t find my friends. I’ll find out later they were camped very close to where Mark and Mia left me yesterday. Oh well, that’s the roll of the dice. Time to blow this busy area off and head back to the wild.
As the trail continues to follow the ridge north, the views of the lakes to the east are amazing. No wonder they call the highway that traverses this area the Gold Lakes Highway, which I’ve driven and ridden on. But I’ve never seen the lakes from this perspective. Knowing how close they are to vehicle legal dirt roads, I take note and make plans to come back. This area is only 2-ish hours from home.
My next water source is at a pond at a dirt road crossing. Being so late in the year, the outflow isn’t outflowing, so I have to find a way not only to access the water, but to get it without disturbing the muddy bottom. I finally find a log that is floating in the water but with the butt end on shore. Yes, it moves when I walk on it. Yes, it’s hard to stay balanced. Yes, it’s even harder to squat, submerge my water bottle, regain standing position, then turn around to get back to shore. No, it wasn’t fun. I thought for sure there were hidden cameras waiting to catch me falling in to the muck. Not today.
Just after noon, I finally peak out for the day. It’s all downhill from here (for today). With the cottonball clouds in the sky, and the sun in between, it’s quite a gorgeous day to be outside. Yeah, it’s warm. But it could much worse. Those clouds could turn on me. Let’s keep moving.
The next water, which isn’t too far (but necessary) is a wonderfully flowing, called Little Jamison Creek. Gawd I could camp here just for the water. Alas, too soon. From here, the trail is now in the trees mostly. No more views of lakes and valleys. I wonder if this is the beginning of the end for big endless views. Norcal and Oregon are notorious for being a green tunnel. As well as the end of the trail for many hikers.
When I get to A-Tree spring, I meet up with Pits. I confuse her with another hiker I met way back at mile 77, but she sets me straight. We sit and chat, drink lots of water and eat our snacks together. She tells me her ankle is bothering her, and that she’s hoping to get to the closest town (Quincy, CA). When I hear two dirt bikes go up the road next to the spring, I jump up to check out their machinery. It’s kind of funny to see their reaction to a ragged-looking backpacker actually interested in their bikes and having knowledge of each bike. Once they warm up to me, we have a good talk about local roads and trail for riding. About that time, a mountain biker shows up, returning to her car. I stroll on over and am able to convince her to give Pits a ride off of the mountain. Savior comes through again!
Meanwhile, I have more hiking to do. As the trail turn easterly, it becomes more exposed again as it approached McRae Ridge, where there’s a fire lookout. Which allows me to see the smoke from the Hog Fire as well as the fire planes working it. Please keep it away from me. I don’t want my hike to end like this (It’s a long way off, but when your only mode of transport are your own two legs, any threat within sight is something to be concerned with).
My last water spot is spring right on trail just 0.1 miles from a supposed camp spot. It’s tough to get water from the trickle, but it is right on trail. And thankfully the campsite is as advertised, though nothing completely flat. I put my tent site as far from the trail (and closer to cat hole locations) as possible and proceed to cook dinner. The local deer are quite active around here and not afraid. Being in the trees like it is, it gets dark early, which is fine by me. I need to get up early for my next personal resupply tomorrow.
Savior out.
Another wonderful installment…