Day 103, July 29: Mile 1485 to 1501 and into Mt. Shasta
Start: Squaw Valley Creek - Mile 1484.6
End: Mt. Shasta - Mile 1501.2
Miles: 16.6
Ascent: 3364 | Descent: 3925
I hiked out early as usual, wanting to beat the heat and get into the town of Mount Shasta early enough to eat lunch and pick up my packages at the post office. I had a big climb in the morning, but it felt good in the cool dawn. I got a crisp and beautiful view of Mount Shasta off to the northeast. At one point, I saw a hiker named Three who I had seen on and off for the last few days, walking the wrong direction towards me. We both stopped in confusion, staring at each other. I asked, why was she going that way? Didn’t I just see her yesterday heading northbound? I watched the realization wash over her face. She cried out in frustration that she was going the wrong way. She had started hiking out in the dark morning and got turned around and hiked 2 miles in the wrong direction, downhill. I felt so bad for her.
After commiserating for a bit, we hiked on. I got in contact with a person who was offering rides into town. It was helpful as it was a long drive and a potentially tricky hitch into town. She dropped me off at the post office and I got my package and went outside to sit at some tables in the shade while I sorted my items out. A few hikers nearby came and joined me, including Happy Ending, Husk and a few others.
After sorting out my packages, I walked to a natural cafe and got a smoothie and a kombucha on draft. And I saw Morgan of Blaze Physio, who had helped me with my foot injury back in Tehachapi! It was great to see her and catch up a bit.
After filling up my belly a bit, I walked across the street to the Dream Inn, a bed and breakfast in a funky Victorian house. I asked the owner if she had any room, and she said she was full but that there were two hiker girls who might let me sleep on their floor. A minute later, Commander came out of the room and I was happy to see her. I asked her if I could stay, and she and Logic were cool with it. I was so relieved to have a place with air conditioning to sleep in, instead of having to camp at the KOA in 105°.
After getting settled in, I walked to the grocery store to resupply. On the way I saw a movie theater and got excited at the idea of sitting in AC and enjoying some entertainment. I decided I would grab dinner and come back for the 7pm showing of Nope. I had a delicious dinner with a German hiker I met in town named Ninja. I walked back to the theater and they told me they wouldn’t let me in with my pack. Nooo! I tried to explain that I was a PCT hiker and it was just my resupply in my pack, but they said no, and I didn’t have enough time to go drop it off and come back. Disappointed, so returned to my hotel and relaxed in the AC before going to bed.