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Day 80: mile 1511.2-1531.6 

Happy I climbed the extra 4 miles yesterday, I still had 5,000 in elevation gain to climb over my 20 mile hike, most of which was in the first few miles. The trail wasted no time as I climbed up and out from the tree cover to views of the Castle Crags rocks. I caught a glimpse of them yesterday, but today I was able to see them from almost every angle at some point, beautiful. 

I stopped for water and another hiker who was already there decided we were hiking together. 😂 We walked on as he told me stories of crazy backpacking adventures with his kids. They were wild! Although the stories were interesting and he was very nice, I was in the mood to hike alone in quiet and enjoy the unbelievable views currently surrounding me. I felt like I was blowing past them, so after a couple miles I told him I had to pee. It seemed more polite than telling him I’d rather just hike alone. It’s not you, it’s me. 😂

The view in every direction was breathtaking. I sat on a rock for a minute to take it all in while a deer wandered near by. It was like a dream. I could’ve stayed all day. That seems to be a theme in this area. 

The day continued to gradually take me uphill from here. I passed by lake after lake. I also passed a few parking lots with day hikers. Trail Magic crossed my mind, but I knew there wouldn’t be any. That really was a dream. 😂 

Initially I’d planned to end my day at Porcupine Lake, but apparently so did everyone else. I was not in the mood for a crowd, so I noticed a trail junction just passed the lake, perfect! And perfect it was! Take a look at this view. A lake and Mt Shasta! I couldn’t ask for a better campsite. I think this one now takes the cake for best campsite so far. However, I hope the trail continues to challenge itself to now beat this one! 

Goodnight! 

XOXO Becks