Magic in Dunsmuir

We averaged 21+ miles per day to get from Chester to Castella (Dunsmuir), 170 miles. That includes two resupplies; one in Old Station and one at Burnet Falls State Park. Days in the mid twenties are comfortable and we're rockin'!

It was just under 8 days and we covered 170 miles.

Leaving Chester at noon, we met Baboon and Spins as well as Scooter. We hiked 18 miles and got to Drakesbad Guest Ranch where we found a TON of hiker trash hanging out! A lot of people that we got way ahead of, but with the section of closed trail and our long stay in Chester, we're able to catch up. Neon and OnAMove, Jesse, Mike and Kim from Ontario, gaitor, Tyler, Sam, Hot Wing, Scallywag and Safari. After a few days of being alone, it was great to see so many familiar faces. Some left that night, but most of us hikes out to the trailhead and camped by a parking lot. Felt like a second kickoff! The next day we got out of camp at 9:20 and had the easiest 20 mile day yet. The next morning we were in Old Station and got some packages from the post office. We replaced our bags, had lunch and hung out as it was DARN hot and we were facing a potential 30 mile waterless stretch, up on a rim with minimal shade. We finally left around 6PM and hiked out about 5 or 6 miles and camped with another couple (Chipmunk and Toad) and a bunch of cows. The next morning we were hiking by 6AM. By 10:30 we made it to the ache that was luckily still plentiful and so the waterless stretch was cut nearly in half. People are amazing. The rest of the day was DANG hot. We made slow progress towards the Crystal Lake Fish Hatchery, arriving just after dinner time. There were 6 of us there and we cowboy camped on the lawn under an incredible night sky. The next morning we headed out for Burney Falls State park and another resupply. It was 12 miles and so we got there around 1PM. We would have been earlier but we came up on this brand new awesome trail magic. There was a new table there and the trail angel left a marker for us to sign the table, and there was soda and evidence of beer! We stayed at the park until 6PM again and then hikes out 5.5 miles and camped with Trip, Cactus, Extra Credit, Scallywag and Chameleon.

The next three days are a bit of a blur. We covered lots of miles and were around a lot of great people. Yesterday evening we crossed the 1500 mile mark and camped on a dirt road. Hollywood showed up after dark and camped nearby as well. This morning we got up, ate the very last bit of our food and hiked the 5 miles down to the highway where we would hitch to Dunsmuir. I should mention that at some point in the middle of the night another hiker passed by. It just so happens that it was Cowboy, who we found sleeping down near the highway. He had done 54 miles that day/night!!! Insane. Do the three of us eventually for our hitch to Dunsmuir from a very nice local lady. She gave us a bit of a tour of the town, dropping us off at the grocery store and suggesting a couple of restaurants.

We decided on the Cornerstone Restaurant. It was busy, and for good reason! The food was delicious, and not only because we hadn't had good, fresh food in over a week! We ordered our food, a meal each plus one to share and while we waited we chatted with a nice older man and his wife. They were regulars and he even had a meal names after him! He had a million questions about our hike and seemed to be pretty impressed! He saw me eyeing the scones in the display case and he went up and ordered one and the waitress brought it, and our bill over to our table. The bill read 'Paid by Glen'. WOW. How kind. We were seriously blown away. We've been on a bit of a high all day.

Hanging out in the motel room all day. Resupply done and we leave tomorrow! Another 158 miles in 7 days or less and we'll be at the Seiad Valley pancake challenge!!