Pacific Crest Trail, Round 1b
6-28
Destination: Red Mtn.
Mileage: 11.5
Trip miles: 17.1
I spend most of the day climbing. There's a bit of variation at first. From Rock Creek, I quickly enter forest. After a short time in that, I emerge into chaparral, spend some time there, then plunge back into forest. This proves to be the hike that will not end, for it is really hard to gague one's progress.
I still manage to see some more interesting plants, especially as I near Red Mtn.
During my never-ending climb, I nearly step on a rattlesnake! It's kind of an olive color and looks like a branch lying on the other side of an actual branch over which I am stepping. Fortunately, it slithers up to a nearby log before coiling. I'm out of range, so I take a couple of photos and move on.
I'm beginning to question the longevity of my hike. While at Peavine Creek, I hear thunder and it rains briefly. On my approach to Red Mtn. I look west and see much smokiness. A strong wind is blowing it this way, so it's kind of hard to tell what's out there. I think it's coming from the Klamath fire, but I can't be sure. I'm keeping my eye on possible escape routes in case I have to bail. I'll see how things go tomorrow.
I eat dinner under a set of transmission lines. Back on the trail, I emerge into a natural rock garden with lots of interesting plants. The trail from here to Grizzly Peak, essentially the next couple of days, looks to be mostly traverse, with little in the way of climbing or descending. I should make good time, provided I don't stop to photograph everything in sight.
I sustain my first hike-induced blister today, possibly my first one ever. I don't have a needle to lance it, so I'll probably slap some moleskin on it in the morning and call it good. Birds sing me to sleep.