Day 115: A tough hiking day
Initially the trail wound steeply downhill and we hiked through mud and water with vegetation hanging over both sides of the track. We had to push the branches aside to make our way through and it was difficult to see the rocks and slippery mud at our feet.
After the long downhill and then relatively flat but muddy walk, of course we had to go back up – another steep ascent but with the reward of more amazing mountain views at the top. We were able to see the snow capped mountains ahead and below us green meadows, rocky outcrops and a creek. The path that we were about to take wound down through the valley and then we could see the switchbacks of the next ascent on the mountainside opposite.
Broken but still usable!
The forests are full of interesting fungi.
We were warned by some day hikers who live locally that the ascent was tough but, although it was steep, the afternoon sun was on us and the trail was somewhat overgrown, it was not too difficult and we arrived at our campsite weary but happy at 6:30 pm after a tough 23.3 miles.
Some interesting tail to navigate, and I love that broken bridge.
You pair are amazing , still loving travelling withyou
Hello Robert (and Roslyn),
just a quick note to say how much I enjoy reading your trail updates. They often appear in my inbox overnight and so are a great start to the day – though they do invoke some jealous thoughts from time to time. I’m really impressed by the distances you’re putting in – and can relate to the food (fuel) demands, and your excitement when you arrive somewhere for a big nosh-up. Good luck for the rest of the trip – keep having an amazing time (despite the mud, overhanging foliage, broken bridges, mosquito’s etc).
Thanks Shane, it has been an amazing trip so far. And we will be starting the Sierras section soon which is supposed to be some of the best (but hardest). Lots of pebbles out here 😉 The lava rock in Oregon was very hard to walk on!
Amazing fungi Robert. Love the bridge – that it is still functional.
WOW! What amazing fungi!….. and the broken-down bridge and rushing little stream !……looks like difficult hiking though………those marmots look pretty cute……Yes, bring back some marmots!!…..
I will just have to get a bigger yard with rocks !!!