8/25/20; mile: 1,954; elevation: 5,292 ft.
Last night was a nice distraction. Though I thought I was going to have the lake to myself, some SOBO section hikers showed up and we had a good time talking about hiking, the trail and life in general. We swam (I also rinsed/wringed my clothes) and just shared time. This was a nice lake with a firm sandy-ish bottom, so the water didn’t get really silty and your feet stayed mostly clean. As the sun was dropping, the bugs came out and the temperature dropped quite quickly.
I awoke to flashes of lightning and claps of thunder. In the morning!? With raindrops pittering-and-pattering, I got my tent packed (don’t need to carry wet shit), and I was on my way by 0530. Yeah, it’s early. But it’s a town day! Well, at least a resupply day. And the opportunity to get “real” food and beer. Between here and there, the trail is relatively flat and covered by trees, so the threatening precipitation (and lightning) isn’t really and issue. My pack is light, there is plenty of water on this stretch and I’m motivated. Thus, I’m able to bag another 10X10, and along the way get to feast on natural blueberries and huckleberries. How in the hell can anyone make time when nature has this glorious feast right at your feet?! I then I manage to catch Pacman and Sidewinder sleeping in late at their camp near one of the many small lakes along this stretch.
Town/resupply or not, stepping off of the trail is one of those moments that make you double-think. It’s not forward progress. It’s “wasted” time. Alas, food and supplies are necessary. And there’s food and drink! And I won’t be here long. Once I get to the Elk Lake Resort, I head around to the lakeside bar/deck. I order some monster burger thingy and fries with a beer and then contemplate my next move. Again, due to COVID, the store is closed to browsing. Thankfully, I sent a package to myself. While waiting for my food (and after half a beer), I retrieve my package and get the waitresses’ approval to sort my stuff at my table. While doing so, Rongway arrives and joins me. During our bar session, some other guests ask about our adventure, including one couple who have done the PCT previously. Once they hear about my concerns of getting fuel cannisters at these backcountry stores (according to Guthooks), they come back from their car with a spare cannister. Oh, and and they bought me and Rongway a couple of beers. The trail provides! Oh, and then I bought ANOTHER full meal. The waitress asked, “Are you sure?”. Watch me.
So, I had two monster burgers and fries, at least 6 beers in like three hours and now have a full pack for the next stretch. It’s late-afternoon and I throw on my pack. Back to the trail.
No, I’m not fast, not this evening. I’m just looking for a place to lay down. Thankfully, it’s a relatively short hike back to the trail, then just a matter of finding an appropriate flat spot. After this day, who needs a tent?