Day 70: mile 1367.2-1373.4 (Old Station)
Day 71: mile 1377.3-1399
Day 70
It was a quick walk into Old Station. On the way I met a family out for a hike, they gave me some pistachios, I was super pumped! …until I later found out they were expired, bummer. 😂
Once I got there the generosity continued when I got to the cafe. A gentleman passing through bought my lunch! So amazing! It was such a nice stop I decided to stay over night, camping behind the store.
Day 71
I woke up and headed back over to JJ’s Cafe for some coffee and WiFi before I headed out. When I arrived Jay, a hiker I’d just met in Chester was already there. I sat down and caught up on his experience the past two days, which included camping with Dipity. Relieved to hear he’d seen her we went on chatting about the snow conditions and how quickly it was finally melting. More hikers continued to join us, one I hadn’t seen since the desert. So excited to be in the same place with everyone I stayed until 11 am. Just in time for Dipity to arrive. I said hello and goodbye and went on my way.
Besides one small uphill in the beginning, the day was mostly flat. I was so excited to get some miles in!
I made it to the top of Hat Creek Rim and felt like I was in heaven. I’d heard it was beautiful, but this was beyond what I was expecting. Wild flowers, Mt. Lassen, Mt. Shasta, and tapering rock walls greeted me. After the past few days this was more than what I needed.
Mile after mile went by and the views didn’t stop. About 16 miles into my day I made it to the water cache. I could hear laughter as I walked over. A group of southbounders were enjoying a break from the sun. They were a fun bunch, wish I could’ve stayed a bit longer, but I continued on with a goal of at least 20 miles for the day.
During this time I also had the gift of service, so I caught up with family and friends, adding to my good mood. Basically on cloud nine already, thinking there was no way this day could be any better, it managed to. I stumbled upon my now favorite campsite of the trail. Right on the edge of the rim under a big juniper tree I set up for the night, anticipating what I knew would be an awesome sunset.
I attempted to eat my dinner outside my tent while watching the sunset, but he mosquitoes weren’t having it. Oh well, great view from my tent too. Not even the pesky mosquitoes could ruin something this beautiful.
Off to bed. Only another 11 miles into Burney Mountain Guest Ranch tomorrow. I’ve heard great things, so definitely looking forward to checking it out!
Goodnight!
XOXO Becks