Mile 1904 to 1912

We wake to golden mantled squirrels and chipmunks climbing all over our cowboy camp. They are interested in both our food and the surrounding huckleberries. Knowing how and where thru-hikers urinate at night, Kevin and I are less interested in these berries than the rodents are, who complete amazing acrobatic leaps to pluck the higher fatter juicy ones.

After a lazy breakfast we pack up and move to the tables by the general store where we have access to power outlets, WiFi and ice cream. Kevin and I pre-rinse ourselves and our dirtiest clothes by swimming in the lake. Socks in particular have to be pre-rinsed before laundering. This typically involves dipping and squeezing about 30-40 times, watching the the residue transition from espresso, to dark French roast, to mild Columbian, to very weak Sanka. It never approaches anything resembling clear water.

We put on our laundry time outfits, often taken from the hiker box. I wear a pair of girls short shorts while Kevin opts for his leotard looking base layer. After laundry we head for the showers. There is a rumor that one of the showers gives 3 minutes for $1.50, but the other one gives 5 minutes. Unfortunately no one seems to know which is which. Kevin takes the one on the right. I take the left. On the count of three we start the showers. After 3 minutes, Kevin screams “No!” I, however, enjoy another 2 minutes of heavenly bliss.

Diner at Rosary Lake

After eating trail food that won’t fit in our packs and ice cream that always fits in our bellies, we pack up to go. We hike back up to the trail and head north. Any miles today just knock down the daily average required to reach our next resupply in 6 days. We pass several beautiful lakes and then stop to eat dinner and filter water by the northern Rosary Lake. We press on a few more miles to Maiden Peak Shelter. The shelter has been taken over by a large group of PCT volunteer trail workers. We thank them for their service and pitch our tents nearby.

Maiden Peak Shelter