A warm night with a bright moon, no condensation in the tent, lovely.
After the major snow fields yesterday I was nervous about the stretch south of Etna Summit that John had warned us about (he actually bailed on that section).
Not wanting to do major snow travel in the heat and without my micro spikes (they are waiting in Seiad Valley, 76 miles north) I decided to go around this snow section. It’s quite high in elevation and everything further north is lower so hopefully the bad part is over with!
Sorry, I never took any pictures of the actual snow traverses, too busy focusing and dealing with the bright intense light reflecting off the snow. Next time 🙂
Hitching a ride into Etna gave me the opportunity to meet some funky yet kind characters … there was the gold miner from Kansas with his son, working a claim in the Scott River Valley. I didn’t even know people still did this! And there was Sev, from France, barefoot, who lives a nomad life in a Chevy van with solar and all he needs (been living in California for 2 years). He teaches French from his van (and from library wifi networks) too. We even geeked out over some backcountry gear, since he also hikes and likes ultralight gear.
A stop in Etna means time to shower (I feel I haven’t gotten real “hikertrash” dirty yet!) and mail John’s yaktrax back! Oh and eat an apple 👍🏻 As for the weather forecast:
Those names sounded familiar…
I worked right there at the top of Kidder Creek about 5 years ago. Very pretty. The sparkling, crystal clear Klamath River will make you want to have a swim when you get down there in that heat. Great photos and posts.
Thank you guys for following along and the good wishes! John, Rox, Mark, Mike, Richard and Geoff … glad to hear you’re enjoying the photos!!
Hi Biggi-best of luck on your hike-we are enjoying your photos and stories.
Richard and Jan
Have an epic experience Biggs!.. looking forward to your stories and more great pics.. the first few are beauties..
Geoff
Hi Bigs!
I am one of the perhaps few that was unaware that you had started your epic journey!
I’m so glad we can follow you on your amazing adventure.
Happy hiking!
Xo
Rox
I am so happy for you Biggi that you got to start your journey. Sounds like you have had a wonderful start!!
Really enjoying following you on your blog. It already sounds like an epic hike.
Thanks Keith! I will try to keep it up 🙂 You’d so enjoy the trail!!!!