Day 16

Lots of walking – lots of climbing – lots of chatting!

Had a good night at the lake resort; it was very quiet. Hard packed dirt, however, is not as soft to sleep on as forest floor! I noticed that during the night …

Had a leisurely morning and rolled out of there by 8:30am (final device charging; store not open but the bathrooms and buildings had outlets outside).

I knew to expect a hard long climb and the trail didn’t disappoint!

It started with some climbing around slide paths and greenery, then turned to dust while going through the burn zone (2021 fire I think).

From above I had a good view of last night’s campsite!

Oh and just in case you forgot the name

About half way up the hill I ran into my first PNTA trail crew! I am not sure what they were improving as it was a good trail and their Pulaski swinging, if anything, made it more loose and dusty (see their masks) but I’m sure they know what they are doing!

We chatted for a bit and I learned lots about the funding politics and their work. Great encounter! They told me that another screw was further up the hill.

When I ran into the almost-all girls crew, I enjoyed another chat and break. They were excited about their work and about seeing hikers! They were building some fancy crossing for a wet area (not wet now though). And they posed nicely for me!!!

Shortly after I met them, the alternate route began. The original PNT here has burn damage and landslides so the alternate goes up Mount Bonaparte from the backside (the original route doesn’t even go to the top). First it turned nicer (not burned, less dust) but then the very steep uphill began. Almost like Kiwi trails 🤣 (they don’t believe in switchbacks).

Where the alternate trail turns downhill, the 1 mile spur trail to the top starts (still steep). Of course I needed to see the tower and the view! Turned out to be a smart decision! For info, my camp was at 3580ft and the fire tower at 7250ft!

When I walked up to the tower, the fire lookout Winter called down and invited me up. What an amazing place and setup!

She has everything she needs (including reception, power, fridge, radio, her art supplies etc) and of course Lou the dog.

For those who don’t know, I love the German Shorthair Pointer breed! I’d never support any dog breeders, I only rescue but I love their characters and energy. Lou actually is a rescue herself, and it’s her second fire tower season!

About 20 min after arrival, the heavens opened and the dark clouds that had been brewing (and the storms Ron warned me about) dumped first torrential rain and then hail on the area. Of course we were safe and dry inside but how’s that for timing!

Winter was trying to figure out which way the storms were going , was watching for fire starts where we saw lightning and kept an ear on the radio. It was wild!

She made us coffee and we kept watching. Lou who is very used to hunting actually doesn’t like thunder so she wore her thunder shirt … never heard of such a thing but have to research it! (Something about the tight shirt makes them feel safe).

Worst case scenario I could have spent the night up there, Winter was okay with that.

But we saw the clouds move on and some brighter sky opening. She said the storms could swing back but I was hoping I’d be going down fast enough to avoid that.

So after about 1.5 hrs at the top, I said goodbye and bailed down the hill. Oh and I want to be a fire lookout when I grow up 🤣

The trail was fine first, even though you could see where the rain had created creeks on the trail. And these leftovers:

It was a long downhill but I didn’t have any rain and only one last thunder. Towards the end, there were a lot of blowdowns and brush.

Another alternate started that was supposed to be a shortcut on cow trails and ski trails but I stayed on the road … no navigation necessary. A few cows had to be coaxed off the road …

Finally I arrived in the valley (no cars at all on the gravel road). This was my last stretch of gravel:

At the turn to Havillah, my information about the church was confirmed:

The church has always supported hikers and invites them to rest, cleanup, leave trash, camp outside or inside and just “make yourself at home”. Wifi included!

The history of the area is explained on a sign outside and another kiosk for hikers repeats the invitation. To be clear: I haven’t seen anybody around! I’m just playing house here 😁

The common area has carpet and space. The kitchen has absolutely everything you could want, including food for hikers.

I can sleep on the carpet without setting up the tent, have boiled water for tea, eaten some snacks and cleaned the mud off my shoes. How comfy is this!

I’m all set up:

Should be a great night! I don’t expect any hiker to be close behind me so it will probably be quiet. About 20 miles walked today …

Oh and I did hear from Sarah, the trail angel, in Republic. They still haven’t found Lucy. They are spreading the word everywhere. Let’s hope she will be found, and the dogs too!