Day 85 – South Boundary of Lassen Volcanic National Park

Miles: 1318.0 to 1346.3

Trail Miles: 28.3

I was on the trail shortly after 6 AM. Throughout the morning there were views of Mt Lassen. I was in Lassen National Forest but my goal was to camp at the border of Lassen Volcanic National Park tonight.

I had intermittent cell service, so I got caught up on the news from home. HH had made it back home and the Furball was settling in with M&D. All was well on the home front.

Halfway to Canada!

I officially crossed the PCT midway point. There’s some disagreement over the exact length of the trail. Over the years re-routes and switchbacks have been added, lengthening it. Various sources list it between 2650 and 2661 miles. The marker denoting halfway is actually at mile marker 1323. Regardless, from here on out I have less distance to go in front of me than what is behind me. That’s a good feeling, but tempered by the fact I’m still in California. Let me say that again, I. Am. Still. In. California. — This state reminds me of driving across Texas, it never seems to end.

Shortly after crossing the highway that leads to the city of Chester I ran into Smokebeard. Neither of us resupplied in Chester, but he had gone into town for a meal. We hiked the rest of the day together and camped at the NP boundary. – Bear canisters are required in Lassen Park. Since almost every PCT hiker sends their can home after the Sierras, folks will camp short of the Park and then hike through in one day.

I did have a little bit of Internet service. It allowed me to post day 74. (I was now only 10 or 11 days behind on a blog posts. I might have to take a zero to catch up.)

I am enjoying Northern Cal. Like the desert, it is varied and defies a singular description. It is at times steep, rocky and challenging; Flowering and forested, with creek and springs flowing. Yet other times, flat, arid and dry. Each day it reveals a new facet.