Day 97, July 23: Mile 1370 to 1394 via Old Station
Start: Hat Creek - Mile 1369.7
End: Mile 1393.6
Miles: 23.9
Ascent: 1722 | Descent: 1974
I woke up to the sound of the rushing Hat Creek nearby, a lovely start to the morning. Last night was cold for the first time since perhaps the Sierras? The morning was pleasantly chilly, and I didn’t put my puffy on to hike but I considered it. I hiked with arms crossed over my body for a few miles because I was so cold. Though I was uncomfortable, I also wished I could soak up all the cold possible because I knew later on in the day, I would be wishing it was cold.
The hike from camp into Old Station was peaceful. I passed under many trees (alive! with green!) and past pretty meadows. I soaked in the gratitude again for being done with this burn area. I passed an interesting deep lava cave/pit in the ground. There were no barriers or markings around the pit, and standing even a little close to the edge gave me a bit of vertigo. But it was still very cool.
I walked the half mile along the road into town and straight to JJ’s Diner, where I ordered a mushroom Swiss burger and a Coors Light at 9:30am. Perfect time if you ask me! Marshmallow came and sat down at my table and it was nice to be able to hang out with her for a bit.
We finished up and I walked over to the gas station, where I bought a couple snacks, including Honey Buns - a glorious 580 calorie delight, a Knorr rice side for dinner that night, and Gatorade. I hung out outside the gas station with the other hikers and tried to catch up on phone things but the internet was terribly slow.
I hiked out from the gas station with Commander and Logic, who I had met the day before. We walked over to the Subway Cave, a super cool 1/3 mile long lava tube. The three of us descended some metal stairs and I was instantly wowed. The tube was large, dark and cool inside, and there were all sorts of cool formations on the floor and ceilings. A worthwhile side trip for sure!
We returned to the trail and started on the remaining 17 miles for the day. There was one notable climb for the day up to the top of Hat Creek Rim, a large plateau that overlooks the valley of the same name to the west. Once on top, we got our first glimpse of Mount Shasta far in the distance.
I hiked the rest of the day along Hat Creek Rim, and it was relatively exposed, but we found pockets of shade to take breaks in now and then. I had a sharp pain that would shoot up periodically from my left ankle, and it made me a bit worried. I hope it feels better tomorrow.
The day was long, and monotonous. But finally, we arrived at a water cache that is maintained by a local trail angel, Jim Beatty. The water was cool and glorious, a needed respite from the warm bathtub water I had been sloshing down for the last 15 miles. I made dinner while chatting with Commander and Logic, and it was nice to have some company. I’m so tired, and so very ready for bed.