After a comfortable night in Sierra City we woke to the alarm at 6:15. Since we had the offer of a 7 am lift to the trailhead, we decided to forego the hot brekkie and have a quick cold breakfast so we were waiting at the car park in good time. Unfortunately the driver didn’t show up but a day hiker with a car kindly dropped us off at the start.

First was a long 7 mile gradual ascent, then we had a path undulating but maintaining the altitude. As we walked through sparse forest and low bushes in the morning, Rob heard and then saw a lack bear. With a few bounds it was out of sight and I missed out on seeing it. There are still some thimble berries by the trail so I guess the bear was berry hunting.

Despite the later start we managed 21.9 miles and the temperature is cold but at least it has remained fine. We are a little worried about a forecast of 3 days of rain at the end of the week.