Another freezing cold morning, tent frozen, bottled water frozen and crisp air, clear sky and frozen ground. The cold hastened us along the trail. After about 10 miles we entered Mt Lassen National Park which is a volcanic area.

We passed side trails that led to geysers and boiling springs. After 15 miles we saw the sign to Drakesbad Lodge where we were headed for lunch. A few spots of snow fell but mostly it remained clear but very cold.

Lunch was an ‘all you can eat’ buffet with lamb soup, roast beef, veges, salad, bread and cookies, lemonade and hot drinks. Unfortunately accommodation is not such good value – US$400 for 2 of us in a cabin for one night – so we will stay in our tent back at the trail for just $16 and suffer the cold. We were able to use the shower and keep warm for the afternoon in the lounge. Now we are having a hot dinner and watching the snow falling heavily outside knowing that we will be out there in it soon to walk the 0.3 mile back to our tents at the nearby Forest campground.

Tomorrow is our last hiking day – 27 miles, likely in snow/rain.

STOP PRESS!

The people at the resort have taken pity on us and let us stay in a room in the lodge for two nights free, because it is forecast to snow till tomorrow 4pm. So we will get to zero for a day and try for our last miles on Tuesday which is forecast to be fine.