Castella, CA. Mile 1498

I am approaching a 20 mile water less stretch along Hat Rim Creek. Thought the desert was behind!

Despite the warnings for a hot miserable hike, I got a blessing with some rain showers.  

It even stopped raining at least 2hrs prior to camp; turning into a beautiful sunset.

I count my blessings that I had cell service and was able to have a lovely conversation with my partner. 

Awoke to a stunning view of Mt Shasta. Not a great picture due to forest fire smoke. There are at least 8 fires in the vicinity. 

Finished the water less section with a pit stop at Burney Falls State Park.  Got beverages, food, laundry, and a shower.  Even got gifted two avocados and some salmon. It made the most delicious ramen. 

Endless forest covered mountains. Endless :( or so it feels sometimes. I know that they are beautiful, but there are times where I am numb to beauty. It really has to be spectacular to get my full attention.

Plants! My fascination with biodiversity is insatiable and I will make you suffer by showing you ALL my plant pictures.

So this plant has been a frequent companion.  I itch and hypothesize it could be three things: poison oak, bugs, or my brain. How often is my itch psychosomatic? #my problems are real.

The desire for a cold beverage and hot food is a huge drive on the trail. You fantasize about it for days prior.  Then you do 28 miles by 1714 to get that sweet sweet satisfaction.

You might be asking yourself, "why is she posting pictures of deer butt?" This is to prove that I was legit 4 ft away from a deer. It had NO fear. 

Resupplied in Castella, CA and hit the trail the next day.  Oregon is so close,  it's palpable.