INTO SIERRA CITY
PCT DAY 72: Mile 1183.9 – Mile 1198.7
Friday June 24, 2016: 19.1 miles (15.8 PCT + 3 to Sierra City (30km)
A visit into town for real food is always a powerful incentive to hike faster. This morning we broke camp without stopping for breakfast, keen to make it into town by lunch.
It was a beautiful day for the largely downhill hike to Highway 49 and a short road walk into town. The weather was gorgeous, warm without any wind.
The vegetation in the forest we were hiking through was noticeably changing as we were dropping in elevation. We were largely in deep shade and the smell of the forest reminded me of old European churches. Centuries of melting candle wax combined with the dark cool interiors. I was loving the change and the miles just flew by.
We got into Sierra City in record time. It is and interesting small town. I can only think that the City part of the name harks back to the old days.
A hamburger and a milkshake were much appreciated. The burgers from the General Store were talked up and while they were nice we were not sure they are the best on the trail.
We spent a while around the store recharging devices and grazing. We bought food to resupply till Buck Lake. It was very expensive and the choice was limited. Made me wish we had posted food here from Tahoe.
We decided to head out on trail the same day. We had plans to post some items from here but discovered that the post office closed at 2pm and won’t reopen till 10.30 tomorrow. Bummer, Hammer will have to carry the bear canister for another 4 days.
Freight Train, Parker and Hammer enjoying a cold beer
Sierra City General Store
We finally left the Sierra City General Store about 5.30pm planning on getting dinner on the way out of town. Very disappointed to get to the restaurant and find that it was closed and up for sale. Just like a few other establishments in town. We continued on out of town. We started back on the PCT for what was a monster climb. We ascended nearly 3000 feet in 3.3 miles, it was switchback city. Halfway up the climb we heard a rustle up above us. Looking up we saw a rather large black bear on the trail. Fortunately the bear saw us before we saw it. It was wary of us quickly disappeared up the slope. It was headed roughly in the same direction as our campsite. Hammer as always assured me that we give too much credit to bears. We reached out campsite up on the summit just as it was getting dark. There was nowhere to hang food so we were quite prepared to loose our bag. We slept soundly and did not see the bear again. And our bag of food for the next leg was still hanging on one of the few snall trees in our surroundings.
Hello, Hammer and Corky.
I’m back in Capitola now, but so glad to meet you two on the trail near Donner after following your blog from before day one. Light Feather is still in the area to crew for Western States runner and then hike Tahoe Rim before other adventures to come. As you requested, I’ll keep you apprised of her Monte Blanc experience.
Such a treat to meet the two of you while I dabbled on that small section of PCT. You look great!!
Hammer, I hear tell that you are a teacher by profession; I’ve just retired last June after 29 years, and I like it!
I’m serious about my invitation at accommodate Hammer and Corky here in Capitola whenever it suits you.
Best wishes, all the way,
Larry
LikeLike
Hi Larry
Thank you for your kind offer. Will let you know about our plans after we get off the trail. Would be lovely to visit.
Yes please do keep us informed of UTMB. Hope Light Feather has a good preparation and race.
LikeLike
I am so enjoying following your blogs the pictures show the landscape so well also the flora.my granddaughter is also on the trail at Bridgeport so love to see the conditions she will face.my granddaughter is Ella or red riding hood!!!I live in Devon England .keep safe and keep sending your blogs Anne Crook
LikeLike
Thank you for following Anne. We will keep an eye out for Little Red Riding Hood.
LikeLike
Love the blog, your story and the pictures! What camera are you using?
LikeLike
Glad you are enjoying the blog Dave. I am using a Canon Powershot S120. It is a point and shoot with a large sensor for its size. I am very happy with the quality of the images. It us WiFi enabled so I can download to my phone.
LikeLike
Hi guys…have just had my weekly dose of adventure “sitting in my comfy chair” …..please to hear you are starting to thaw out and only 1,454 miles, or so, to go, whatever will we do when it is all over ….I agree with Dave, I think a book is a must…..until next catch-up, safe journey, enjoy – love Maree xo
LikeLike
Maree, you are a solid supporter. We love having you along for the hike. Not sure what we will do after. Still a lot of hiking to do before we decide.
LikeLike