The plan was to do a longer day, of about 19 miles, but we had a hard time hitching on the freeway ramp. We moved to the main street, near the McDonald’s (and I got a vanilla shake) and it didn’t work much better, until a pickup stopped, and the driver said he’d be right back and take us up to Walker Pass. It turns out he is the guy taking down the trash from Yogi’s cook out up at the campground, and he also just dropped some other hikers at the motel. Anyway, he got us back up just before noon. A late start on a hot and hard day.

After the great trail magic dinner up at Walker Pass campground, we also had pancake breakfast for dinner. I failed miserably, and only had one. What can I say? I’m not a breakfast person.

We woke up to a tent filled with condensation, and had to take our time drying it out in the morning. The first 5 miles of the trail breezed by, until we got to the Bird Spring road cache, which was indeed full. We also had trail magic in the firm of two picnic chairs and a cooler filled with Gatorade. While we were sitting there, a truck came along with Forest, Sasquatch and Sharpa the dog. They work for the PCTA, and came around to survey the trail around the road, 5 miles in each direction. They also gave me a beer.

Last night was even colder than the night before, but I still managed to sleep OK. But this morning was really cold outside. We took our time, as usual, and left camp last. I hiked most of the day with my wind shirt on, putting on my jacket as soon as we made a stop to eat something. It seemed like it will start raining almost all day long, except that it didn’t really, for must of it.

Last night wasn’t too cold, and I slept with just my base layer. There was no wind, which was also nice.