Day 84

July 5 - 2021 Northern California Fires

After a great deal of discussion about the current fires, unusually high temperatures for this time of year, and the poor air quality, we reluctantly decided to rejoin the PCT just over the border in Oregon. Rick was relieved - he really hates hiking in the heat and doesn’t handle it very well. However, this will require a return to this spot for southbound hike back to Belden in September, if the fires are under control. Not what we hoped but it gives us better odds of completing Oregon and Washington.

Our son, Alec, dropped us off near the Ashland ski area, just over the border in Oregon. We passed by the Sky, Lava and Salt fires. Wow - thick smoke until we were leaving Yreka. Headlights were needed in the middle of the day.

We saw firefighters and staged equipment all along the east side of I-5 which was closed down to one lane. Fire damage was visible up to the interstate road - looks like they are working hard to prevent the fire from jumping interstate. One lane was closed in north direction and red fire retardant present on the road surface.

We had a nice dinner at Callahan’s after Alec left to return home. Couldn’t talk him into staying. Met LOTHAR (loser of the historic American revolution) - funny trail name. He’s a thru-hiker from London (laser physicist) who relocated to Carlsbad, CA. Nice guy. He is headed into the town of Ashland for resupply tomorrow. We are back on the trail in the morning.