Day 72: mile 1399-1411
Day 73: Zero in Burney, CA
I left my wonderful campsite and descended into some version of hell. As soon as I left the rim I was attacked by mosquitoes and even the poodle dog bush, which I hadn’t seen since the desert returned. It was no safe place for shorts, so on went my pants, making me feel even more like I was in a sauna I couldn’t escape. The hike into Burney Mountain Guest Ranch was less than pleasant if you couldn’t tell. It was hot and humid and the water was lacking.
When I finally did make it to the water, the mosquitoes were so bad I wasn’t able to relax and cool off as much as I needed to. Can I be there already?! Thanks to my Mom for listening to me complain about it on the phone while I hiked the last few miles. 😂
Bug net problems
Once I finally arrived at the guest ranch I wasn’t feeling it for multiple reasons. One being it was so hot and the idea of paying to sleep in my own tent I this heat seemed crazy. I heard about a church in town that was rumored to be awesome, so I grabbed my package and headed out. It was the best move I could’ve made!
Nice little resupply store though!
A huge gymnasium with showers and plenty of places to sit and relax, along with a full kitchen and a refrigerator were all waiting for me. The building was nice and cool, much better than sleeping in the beating sun, surrounded by mosquitoes. Yes!
Look at that bite!
After one of the best showers I’ve had on trail, I made my way over to Safeway and got some fresh fruits and vegetables to make a delicious meal. I still didn’t bother cooking even with the full kitchen. Too much work. 😂I was super content!
My buddy Jay showed up later that day. Sine there was no alcohol allowed at the church (pretty standard) we headed over to the local bar to grab a few beers. It was a riot! The bartender was hammered! She was beyond entertaining. When the check came we didn’t quite know what to think about it… what had she scribbled down? 😂
The next day I took an unplanned zero, no surprise these days. We all just sat around and did a whole lot of nothing. Everyone seem to UNmotivate each other, I don’t think anyone left that day. At least I had a ride back to the trail lined up tomorrow, so I had no choice but to keep moving. One more glorious nights sleep here in this cool bug-free gym. Plus tomorrow is Sunday, the church coffee bar will be open. I see a latte in my future!
Goodnight!
XOXO Becks