Day 81, Fireworks

Part 3, Northern California, Day 81

Fireworks 

Miles: 27.28

Total Miles: 1277.81

BUCKLE UP! we're about to go on a fun ride together. I knew today would be a big hiking day, so I started hiking early at 6am. I had an immediate 3,000 foot, 6 mile climb, which took me two hours. It was a real battle, and it was overcast this morning, so the views weren't nearly as good as they could've been. 

I had no water on the hike up and I found   Lookout Spring at the top. I was drenched in sweat from the climb and this spring was amazing:

Once again, ice cold, crystal clear water. I'm very impressed by the springs in Plumas National Forest, and I hope this trend continues into the next sections. Here's a sign some trail angels posted at the summit:

Lookout Rock was at the summit. I think would be much better on a clear day. It was still good though.

I was hiking fast this morning because I planned on taking an alternate route to Bucks Lake Resort, which adds 2.6 miles to my day. I just wanted to see some July 4th stuff and get some real food. After 12 miles by 10 am, I was at the road and began the 6.8 mile road walk. I saw a shitload of American flags on display. It made me nervous for some reason.

I arrived at some meadow to a fireman's fundraiser. Lots of people were there, and I watched a helicopter demonstration.

I walked to the Haskins Valley Store. It had meager hiker resupply, so I bought a soda. Smokey was there, so I talked with him for awhile. 

Here's Smokey on the phone. 

I decided it was time to get what I came for. I walked 2 miles to the Lakeshore Resort. They supposedly have great food and a good beer selection at the bar. 

I really needed some calories, and I was told that I was 45 minutes early for lunch; I'm not in the business of waiting. I've got miles to hike! time is mileage, my friends.  I ordered breakfast; whatever seemed closest to lunch. I got a chicken fried steak. 

This was great, and I couldn't even finish it, which is my standard for good hiker food. I did not order a beer. It seemed weird with a breakfast food, and I meant business today on the trail. With my side trip all wrapped up, I walked the last two miles and met back up with the PTC at Bucks Summit. It was fun seeing all the people celebrating July 4th at Bucks Lake. No fireworks though; too early. When I hit the trail there was trail magic!

This must've been a sign...

The afternoon started with another big climb. The storm clouds were surrounding me again. Most hikers are fed up with this El Niño year weather. It's obstructing the views and it's getting so old. 2015 has been a frustrating hiking year so far, weather wise. 

It was back to business again. Mainly just mindless hiking, trying to get the miles in. I saw Bumble sitting at a viewpoint. I recently gave him the book "Cannery Row," and he's loving it. 

Here's Spanish Peak:

And here's Silver Lake, an extremely common name for lakes, I've found.

I passed a forest ranger, only the second I've seen on trail, and she warned me about lightning that was forecast later. More of this weather bullshit. It did rain a bit in the afternoon. I missed some killer views because of the clouds. 

I really love these Bracken Ferns that line the trail.

I even found a spring named after them.

By 6pm, my feet, back, and shoulders were done. I limped a mile until I found a camp site. It's on a beautiful saddle with several mountain views.

Somebody put a lot of effort into making this symbol near my tent area:

I wonder what it means. Am I going to turn into a witch or something? Dark clouds surround me, and I'm totally exposed. I hope there isn't lightning tonight. 

I ate ramen for dinner. I still enjoy ramen. Weird huh? Here's my view:

Another crazy day tomorrow, with a civilization stop, and another massive climb, maybe the biggest yet! Tune in.

Oh, and please, check out this sunset!!!

This is pretty special. 

Update! While I'm watching this gorgeous sunset, there is a Lightning storm absolutely raging to the North, and I just watched a lightning strike start a small fire in the hills!!! I can see the flames in the otherwise shadowy hills. This is so crazy. Double update!!! I just witnessed another fire start. They look like quite a distance away, several ridges and many miles. I'm a bit nervous. Wow. I guess I got that July 4th fireworks show after all!