Day 94, July 20: Mile 1313 to 1331 and into Chester
Start: Mile 1313.2
End: Hwy 36/Chester - Mile 1331.3
Miles: 18.1
Ascent: 2451 | Descent: 3767
My day started with some relatively flat terrain until I started the big climb of the day, though it was nothing like one coming out of Belden. Sickness-wise, I was feeling a bit better but motivation-wise, I wasn’t feeling great- I think from a poor night of sleep combined with the heat and yet more miles of burned forest. Luckily, some of the views out from either side of the ridge I was on were cool and I saw what I think is Lassen Peak (in Lassen Volcanic NP) out towards the north.
After a number of miles, I reached… the HALFWAY POINT! The halfway point of the PCT is marked with a little concrete post that says “PCT Midpoint” and “Canada 1325 miles” on one side, “Mexico 1325 miles” on the other. I whooped and hollered, and was met with cheers from the hikers who were sitting nearby enjoying some shade. I met Jackrabbit (who I met once early on in the trail), Oyster, and Swell, and had a celebration with them.
That group hiked on and another group showed up, including Diego, who I had met at VVR. They had their own celebration and I snapped a few pictures for them. I ate some more snacks and drank water and said goodbye to the group as I hiked out. The trail was a straight descent after that point, which I enjoyed. I had full cell service so I talked to my mom on the phone for a bit and then also one of my friends from college, Will. It was nice to catch up.
I finally made it to highway 36, where hikers can catch a hitch into the town of Chester. I stuck out my thumb and watched a handful of cars drive past. No problem, I knew if I didn’t get a hitch that there were some trail angels I could call. Luckily, a guy in a cool old red Volvo had passed me but turned around and honked at me to get in.
He dropped me off in Chester at the Kopper Kettle Cafe. I ordered a fish and chips and chatted a bit with the hikers at the next table over. I had a pretty funny moment with one of them who told me I had popped up on her Instagram Explore Page, and that when I walked in, she told her friends “that’s her!” 😅
A little while later, Swell, Jackrabbit and Oyster came and joined me as I was halfway done. It was fun to chat with them but I was also feeling very sleepy from the greasy meal I had. We laughed at our matching shirts that were all completely filthy.
After eating, we walked to the park nearby where a lot of hikers camp apparently. A bunch were set up to cowboy camp in a small amphitheater. The four of us set up our sleeping pads and quilts nearby. We walked to the grocery store to grab a drink and then went back to the park. We hung out chatting for a bit until the wave of sleepiness hit us like a truck. Off to bed!