Day 74

June 26 PCT mile 1193 - 1210 17 miles

Our wonderful, fun, and thoughtful neighbor, JT, drove us back up to the trailhead in Sierra City. We said our goodbyes - they are moving to Washington and we are so sad to see them go after 20 years. Won’t be the same.

Arrived about 7:15 AM (late start) and knew what was ahead. We have hiked this section of the trail several times, but are usually careful about choosing days with cool weather — not possible in this heat wave. The hike is exposed and a lot of elevation gain and loss. Beautiful views along the ridge.

Passed two 1200 mile markers separated by 4 miles. Curious, but per Guthook the post is correct, not the stones we saw 4 miles later.

Once we reached the top of the ridge line, the ‘new’ PCT trail dropped back down to Packer Lake campground for no apparent reason. We remembered this section staying along the ridge line, but later learned PCTA organization rerouted the trail to a single use track (no bikes or motorized) and added several miles. It was so hot, we both would have preferred the old route even if a few 4x4’s were there kicking up some dust. We eventually made it back up to the ridge and were treated to lovely views of the Gold Lakes and the Sierra Buttes. Too far to visit today, but beautiful. Few water sources in this area. Hot, dry day. Met a family hiking to the fire lookout for Dad’s 70th birthday. Woohoo!