Etna to Castella

What a journey!

We're still trying to figure the best and easiest way to share our journey. Please bear with us as we experiment! This week we're trying a video.

It's been a tough, slow week. With Jeff still having some foot issues (we think he has a deep bruise exacerbated by the inconsistent trail). We managed to make our goal all but 2 days.

The views have been beyond description. Please note how much closer we get to Shasta as the week progresses. Just getting close to Castle Crags was so exciting. It was amazing (and eventually exhasting) literally walking at the feet of those impressive crags.

The California Pitcher Plant was fascinating. I thought of our daughter Kei often as we came across the ever fragrant lillies. There was one brief stretch of a honeysuckle-like flower, beautiful and so fragrant. Nature's bouquets bring life to the rocky terrain.

The heat was far cooler than predicted but still averaged in the high 80s keeping us nursing our water bottles. Water sources were mostly consistent with only twice worrying us. TBG stays well covered even in the heat due some sun sensitivity but I expose-and burn which peels adding to the itching from multiple bug bites. I have taken to resorting to strange attire during the heat of the day to alleviate burning so bad.

We continue to be light eaters. TBG is better at eating than I am. I am generally just so thirsty and sweet foods offer no appeal at all!  TBG's fave food has been his cashews and mine has been cheese sticks.

We fall into bed early and exhausted each night and fall asleep to the sounds of nature. The sunrise wakens us. If we have been fortunate, we have a level, smooth site! The campsite in the video was the worst one we've had-JUST barely big enough for the tent but desperation frequently dictates placement and we were so done that night!

Our last full day we met Wit and Brightside a couple about our age from Alaska hiking Ashland to Dunsmuir to finish thier goal of completing the PCT. They were pretty excited to be almost done!

The days blur. I never know what day of the week it is and only know the date as I keep a journal. Although we look forward to completing the hike, it's the journey that is important.  We may be slower than most and have our limitations, but we're out there hiking our own hike. We encourage you to do the same, whatever "hike" that may be.

Until next time, keep on keepin on.