PCT: Shoulder of Castle Crags to I5 and Soda Springs Road

Our day in numbers:  down!

This is a big reason why we hiked this section south bound.  Being a section hiker has its perks.  

It rained in the night and we awoke to a grey misty day.   We started down the mountain in our rain gear and lost them about half way down when we got under the drenching fog.  It made for a mysterious hike, but not a lot to see.  

There were less people today to meet, but a half mile from our destination we met Saunterre.   She’s just a few months older than me and our chat really resonated.  She lives in Washington State and she and her husband had been section hiking the trail.   He noticed how much she loved it and suggested she do a thru hike.  She said after a life of being a wife and mother it was very liberating to make all of her own decisions on trail.  

Right at the trailhead we met an exceptionally tiny, delicate Asian women.   She was stunningly beautiful  and spoke with a broken accent.  She asked about snow, as she said the Sierras had been  difficult for her.  We were amazed that someone who looked so dainty could carry such a big pack across many difficult miles.  As they say, looks can be deceiving.   

AND once again, the mozzies  were out attacking everybody but me.  I used to be sweet meat for the little buggers, but I guess I’m old meat now.  I’ll take it.

Our camp for the night.