So Close...

Hi everyone, writing to you from Alderbrook Hiker Hostel in Etna, CA, one of the last towns in this seemingly infinite state. Seriously, its been almost 1600 miles by now. The trail from Old Station has been spectacular and varied, and paradoxically I find myself once again hiking with people, despite the fact that there is no immediate need too. This time it is Lakewood and Ed, and we have been putting in some serious mileage each day. We are, metaphorically, chasing StraightJacket who is the first thru hiker of the season now and is only a day ahead, though nobody really likes to admit it. There is always the knowledge that the herd is right behind us as well, and even though its not a race, the compulsion to keep up the pace is always there.

Soon after leaving the Heitman's the trail climbs to Hat Creek Rim, an exposed and windy volcanic ridge with views down to dry canyons below. There we got our first views of Mt Shasta in the distance, a huge snow covered mass over 14000 feet high that seemed to hover above the haze, while Mt Lassen receded in the distance. As if the prescence of 2 such huge monoliths wasn't reminder enough of the Cascades' volcanic origin, the Rim is composed of black igneous rocks resembling giant piles of asphalt. Thirty hot, waterless miles later brought us to several placid lakes and hydroelectric dams before the trail quickly ascended to higher climes once again.

The trail since has been a rollercoaster of climes taking us through more scrub and wildflowers, up to pine forests and back again with great views all the way as the path winds around old glacial cirques. Some areas are reminiscent of SoCal, where the vistas extend thousands of feet and many miles to the distance, sun-baked valleys to the east. Shasta and the accompanying volcanic outcroppings have been constant companions, as each turn reveals a different side of the mountain. The last few days have been characterized by mountains of serpentine marble, an iron-tinted rock that breaks into black and white slabs shot through with green veins and displaying an almost polished sheen; I wish I could come back with a wheelbarrow and a pickup truck, but I think that would be frowned upon. It looks like similar views are in store for the next section as we head into the Marble Mountains towards Seiad Valley, a tiny town that the PCT passes straight through. From there, its a scant 45 miles or so to the border, the on to Oregon finally! There should be a little more snow to contend with, but soon that will be completely behind us... supposedly. The next big stop is Ashland OR, so hopefully I'll talk to you then.