Tuesday, July 19, 2022
Start: campsite 0.5mi SOBO from South Fork Spring
End: Sierra City
Miles: 37.5
Elevation gain/loss: 5417/7854
I had a solid night of sleep cowboy camping and was up at 5:15 and on trail by 5:55am. I did 9+ miles by 9am and 20 miles by 1pm.
I kept up a good pace all day, and the trail was smooth until the last 6-7 miles. Water was relatively plentiful, and I managed to snag the last soda in a trail magic cooler a little south of Packer Campground which was very welcome in the heat of the day. I saw a few groups of camp kids out backpacking, and it was interesting to see what they were wearing and carrying.
I pushed hard the last few hours to get to the road before sundown. The loose scree drove me crazy, tripping me and trying to twist my ankles, never letting me get into a rhythm. I finally arrived at the road at 7:45pm, and decided I’d try to hitch into town for 15 minutes before I started walking. I soon was joined by Three/Stella, and as we were debating walking, a woman in a Tesla stopped for us. Rebecca took us into town and helped us to check everywhere that might have a vacancy. Unfortunately, nowhere had space for us, and so Rebecca offered to let us camp in her backyard.
She welcomed us very kindly, and gave us the use of a (hot) outdoor shower, a towel, a bin and Dr Bronners for washing clothes, wifi info, electrical outlets for charging, and filled up our water bottles. A bit later in the evening, I asked if they might possibly have any leftovers we could eat, since we arrived in town without any dinner. Their hospitality was overwhelming – they gave us sausages, rolls, salad, fresh grilled cauliflower and broccoli, and chips. As we chatted into the night, they even brought out dessert – a NorCal ice cream sandwich specialty called It’s-It. It was delicious!!
In the morning, I’ll get breakfast at a local Cafe and then do a quick resupply at the general store before heading back to trail.
Transcending Mountains 