PCT: Bear Creek to just past Buck’s Summit

PCT Trail Mile 1253 to 1270.3

We climbed almost 5000 feet and descended 1500 feet today and there was once again heat and stillness.  We sure hope this hot spell breaks soon.  

Leaving Bear Creek at seven am, I barely limp,   as my foot is much better.  I’m very grateful.  I still feel like I’m walking on an acorn, with the swelling, but it’s not very painful. The climb isn’t as bad as we thought either.  It’s steady, but gradual, and shady with trees.   As we get higher, we feel a tiny bit of a breeze and we stop, open our arms and embrace it. 

Lookout Spring is flowing well and we fill up on water and then proceed to Lookout Rock for a snack with a view.  A view! With that tiny hint of a breeze we are two happy campers.  

Looking ahead at the map we realize that to get a refreshing swim in we will need to take the alternate road walk to Buck’s Lake.  

Thru hiking the Florida Trail schooled us on road walking and I turn on some music and we fly down the road.  We alternate between walking the white line and the dirt alongside the road.  This will hopefully save us from getting shin splints.   The 2.5 miles are covered quickly and we get sandwiches, Gatorade and beer at the little deli and General Store.  The folks here are very nice.   Then we head to the lake and swim and lounge for a few hours.  Then back to the road and then to the trail.  

As the afternoon fades into evening a cool breeze blows in.  We are very pleased.  The weather has turned. We make camp and we actually  put on our lightweight base layers.  We will sleep well tonight.