Day 88: mile 1632.5-1655.9 (Seiad Valley)
As much as I love to wear my shorts in this hot, humid weather, I keep hearing about ticks, downed trees, and an overgrown trail with poison oak in this section. On go my pants.
Thankfully the whole day wasn’t set to be a nightmare-ish combination; my day started with beautiful views. The trail followed a mountainside sprinkled with wildflowers.
Around midday I entered the tree cover and ran into a southbounder who told me it wasn’t as bad as everyone has been saying, big surprise. I believed him over the numerous posts I’d read on Guthook (my GPS app). Some people out here love to over exaggerate and get a little dramatic. I definitely learned that lesson in the snow.
What an awkward photo
I entered the 10 mile stretch of horror 😂, and did in fact confirm it wasn’t absolutely terrible. I am glad I had pants and long sleeves. The downed trees were no problem, but I will admit the overgrown trail did become annoying.
This is the trail
Once I’d pushed my way through the last of the overgrowth, the trail opened up a bit. Funny enough it was here I caught my shoelace on a tree and fell hard. I attempted to save myself with the support of my trekking pole, but it collapsed under my full weight. It was one of those slow motion falls. It hurt, but I’m sure it was pretty funny to witness. I laughed at myself, cursed at the tree, and kept moving. I hauled it the rest of the trail. Unsure of what time the store closed in Seiad Valley, I wanted to make sure to get there ASAP.
The last part was a 6 mile roadwork, brutal way to end the day. I eventually caught Joe Dirt and at least had some company to pass the time. We attempted to put our thumbs out, but no one stopped. Once we were half a mile from the store I gave up my attempt, but what was this…? I could hear a car slowing behind us, yes! No! It was a cop. Uh oh, was I not supposed to be hitching and this town was so small he’d heard? Nope, he just wanted to give us a ride. You better believe we took it. Any non-trail mile (or half mile) not walked is a win.
We made it to the store with plenty of time to spare. I grabbed a beer and got settled in over at the RV park. There were already quite a few hikers set up, all new faces to get to know. Everyone sat around chatting until just after hiker midnight, then headed to sleep. …not before making breakfast plans of course. Priorities!
Goodnight!
XOXO Becks