PCT Day 99 – Hat Creek Rim
Stats
Start: Old Station 1,373.4
End: Creek and water pipe 1,406.9
Elevation Max: 5,144
Elevation Min: 3,204
Elevation Change: 2,286 up & 3,431 down
Walking Time: 8 hrs 48 minutes
Date: 7/10/2022
The Walk
The diner didn’t open until 8am, which was a great excuse to sleep in. But I wanted to get my order in early! At 7:30 I packed up and slowly made my way to the diner. The fresh brekfast would help on this long, hot, and exposed day. We were walking on the Hat Creek Rim Trail. A section of trail known for long stretches of no water, no shade, and lava rocks that absorb and radiate heat.
I ordered biscuits and gravy plus with a side of bacon and eggs. Trying to cram in the calories! Breakfast was good but the coffee was my favorite part. You can’t beat hot coffee in the morning while on trail.
At 9:30 I walked to trail. I decided to skip the lava cave. It would have been unique to see, but I was ready to get going. I didn’t want to take an hour detour. It was already late and I planned to walk 34 miles today.
The day started with a small climb and a lady at the top was doing trail magic! She had freshly baked muffins and fresh fruit. I was absolutely stuffed, but enjoyed a slice of watermelon.
I filled up my water and headed out. Today’s hike didn’t have any shade and it was supposed to be 91. Tomorrow is supposed to be 100, so I feel lucky with the low 90s.
There are only 2 water sources in the next 30 miles. A water cache 13 miles away then a creek 13 miles after. The heat of the day hadn’t hit yet and I felt fresh. I knew the big breakfast would carry me into the afternoon.
I put in headphones and went into the zone. I was cruising right along. The terrain was extremely flat. It was one of my fastest morning hikes. And before I realized it I was a mile past the water cache 🙁
Yes. A mile past! I was really into a phone conversation and totally missed the stop. Bummer. I considered skipping and getting water 12 miles further. But I had less than a liter of water left. And the heat of the day was here. That would be stupid.
I could feel the 90s. I wasn’t used to it. I set my pack down against some trees, grabbed my water bottles, and jogged back to the water cache. Surprisingly I enjoyed the jog. It was fun running down hills and dodging rocks. I was afraid I’d roll an ankle or slip and fall, but I wanted to go quick. Going backwards sucks.
I filled up at the water cache then jogged back to my pack. It felt so light to be running without a pack! I relaxed for an hour and ate some food. I’d much rather have relaxed at the water cache in a lawn chair, but I didn’t want to leave my pack for long. The pack has everything I own! I’d be lost without that.
I started walking again. It was even hotter now. And I was worried about my water situation. I had 1.5 liters to walk 12 miles. Normally I pack 1 liter for every 6 miles. So I was already half a liter short.
And the heat kept building. The trail was lined with small bushes and didn’t give me any shade. I drank sparingly. But it wasn’t enough. With 8 miles to go I could easily gulp down the rest of my water. It was time to ration.
I decided take a swing every .75 miles. And that was my life for the next 2.5 long hours. Looking at my watch. Waiting for the next time I could drink. As time wore on I got hungrier too. But I didn’t want to eat, because that would make me more thirsty.
By the last 2 miles I was dragging. In that moment you have no option but to find the closest water. So I kept going. Eventually I heard a running stream. Thank god. I made it. This is the first time I’ve used every sip of water. (I did have a can of bubbly water, but I wanted to save it for dinner).
I drank a bunch, set up a tent to block the mosquitos and ate dinner. Today was a long, hot day of hiking and I’m glad to be done. Tomorrow I only have 4 miles into Burney. Gushers Bday celebrations are here. Thank god because it’s supposed to be 100!
