Today 24.3 km (15.1 m), Total Distance 2084.7 km (1295.4 m), 5 hours 50 minutes (0720 – 1725, less the time spent at restaurants from 0900 to 1350)
I had a restful sleep and was awake early, ready to ease my hiker hunger in Belden. I knew it was only 10 km (6 miles) and 1200 vertical meters (4000 feet) of downhill between me and food.
The trail continued along the ridge line on the sandy path through the shrubs, going to the left of one small hill and to the right of another. There was a large patch of snow and a traverse while going around the hill and then back onto clear trail, descending on a single zig zag down the steep part of the hill then down the spur line, dropping into the trees and a continuous series of zig zags to get down the long steep hill.
A hiker was climbing the hill and we said hi but did not stop. Less than 5 minutes later the identical hiker came towards me again up the hill. I did a double take before realising they must be identical twins. Another 5 minutes later I heard voices and assumed it was a couple more hikers climbing the hills but it was a lady on her phone climbing.
Another 10 minutes later and there was a couple and 5 minutes later was two women who I assume were from the Netherlands from their accent. For everyone I gave way as the trail etiquette is that those going downhill give way to those going uphill.
Finally I reached the bottom of the hill and the trail now headed right, following the base of the hill above the river and railroad tracks. It then dropped down, crossing the tracks and onto a dirt road which led to a sealed road and into the grand town
of Belden, which seemed to consist of the Belden Resort and a closed garage.
I bypassed the Lodge as my destination was the Caribou Crossroads Store, 1 1/4 miles away. I exited Belden over a bridge and crossed the road to tap on a road sign before going off trail.
I was intending to hitch to the store but there was no traffic so I resigned myself to a 1 1/4 mile road walk. Thankfully it wasn’t too bad and there was a nice river to look at occasionally as I plodded along. There was some traffic heading in the opposite direction but there was enough of a shoulder beside the road to allow me to get out of the way.
At the shop I was greeted enthusiastically by the staff and settled down into my mission to fill my stomach. I ordered the Hiker breakfast which was 3 french toast with eggs and bacon. i had this with coffee and then once that had settled, and I had selected food for my resupply I ordered one of the famous milkshakes. As this happened one group of hikers left, another turned up and Spaceman and Sherlock also turned up.
The milkshake, blackberry flavoured, was amazing. I was impressed that as well as the large glass filled with delicous milkshake they also brought the metal cup used in the mixer so you had the rest that would not fit into the glass. The reputation of
the milk shakes was well deserved and I did struggle to finish it, having to rest a bit first. The prices for the resupply were reasonable for such an isolated store and allegedly cheaper than the Belden Lodge, though I didn’t compare myself.
I also took the oppourtunity to mail my crampons ahead to Ashland, as well as the old faithful milk container I had been using to carry them in. This is the milk container that Debra, my amazing Idyllwild trail angel host had given me. Despite the crampons
being taken out and put in frequently over the last 6 weeks it was still in good condition.
As I was paying for everything the power went out so the owner needed to add everything up with a calculator and was only accepting cash, which is fine with me as I don’t have a credit card.
With pack lightened, resupply done and stomach full I headed out to go to Belden Resort for lunch and internet. The traffic had picked up and the third car topped to pick me up. They were also going to the Belden Resort so took me all the way there.
I headed to the restaurant and ordered a burger and fries. After a long wait it turned up and it was the worst burger I have had on trail. I had also ordered a sandwich to go and it turned up in a huge plastic container so I asked for some tin foil (Aluminium foil) or glad wrap (saran wrap, plastic cling film). Fritter turned up and we chatted as we ate lunch. The waitress had to be reminded about the tin foil and forgot to bring Fritters drink, after he had needed to chase her down to even place his order. Worst burger and worst service on trail.
The power came back on but the internet was painfully slow so I decided rather than hanging out for the afternoon I would just continue walking.
I crossed the bridge again, touched back on trail and crossed the bridge which was narrow with the road works happening. Thankfully no cars were crossing at the same time. I weaved through the worksite to get back onto the trail.
Now it was 1350 vertical meters (4, 500 feet) of climbing, not all of which I would complete today. The trail slowly climbed, keeping above the road and river for some time before turning up the valley that I followed the rest of the day.
There were no trees and it was really hot. My stomach was really full from all the food I had consumed but once I started drinking water to ease the thirst from the hot climb it became uncomfortable. I was having to just have small sips to try and stop it hurting so much. Definately not a comfortable feeling but so worth it to not be hungry anymore.
Just as I was starting to run out of water I came across a small stream and was able to fill up.
After several miles the trail entered the trees and not long afterwards I found a nice camping spot. I had a very late dinner, the sandwich from the Belden Resort which tasted ok.
Fritter went past and decided to push on to the next campsite so I had the place to myself for the night.
Day 103 – 3 Jul 19. Description
Today 36.4 km (22.6 m), Total Distance 2121.1 km (1318.0 m), 10 hours 40 minutes (0720 – 1800)
Day 104 – 4 Jul 19. Description
Today 21.4 km (13.3 m), Total Distance 2142.5 km (1331.3 m), 4 hours 20 minutes (0725 – 1145)
Visits: 927
4 thoughts on “Day 102 – 2 Jul 19. Stomach Extremes – Empty to Bursting”
Hello, I discovered your vlog and have had marathon viewing sessions watching your amazing adventures on the PCT. I have watched quite a few peoples vlogs from the trail and I just have to tell you that yours, by far, has been the most enjoyable.First of all your physical and mental stamina are astounding. Secondly your willingness to share your vast knowledge of all things hiking related is so educational and interesting. And lastly, your indomitable spirit and joy of life is contagious. I look forward to watching as you head into Oregon, my adopted state, and on to Washington, my home state and hope you enjoy both states. I may be prejudiced, but I think they are the prettiest places in the USA.
Hi. Thanks for your lovely comments. I am glad you are enjoying the videos. Good luck on getting caught up, you have stamina of your own to plough through all the videos. I am looking forward to exploring Oregon and Washington
I had a laugh about the twins, Homemade, because I had a similar experience on a day tramp, except that the guy I met was the identical twin of someone I knew slightly but who I had no idea was a twin. A bit disconcerting, especially as when you’re tramping solo your mind is less focused on people than on solving the world’s problems or interacting with your environment. Happy hiking.
Hello, I discovered your vlog and have had marathon viewing sessions watching your amazing adventures on the PCT. I have watched quite a few peoples vlogs from the trail and I just have to tell you that yours, by far, has been the most enjoyable.First of all your physical and mental stamina are astounding. Secondly your willingness to share your vast knowledge of all things hiking related is so educational and interesting. And lastly, your indomitable spirit and joy of life is contagious. I look forward to watching as you head into Oregon, my adopted state, and on to Washington, my home state and hope you enjoy both states. I may be prejudiced, but I think they are the prettiest places in the USA.
Hi. Thanks for your lovely comments. I am glad you are enjoying the videos. Good luck on getting caught up, you have stamina of your own to plough through all the videos. I am looking forward to exploring Oregon and Washington
I had a laugh about the twins, Homemade, because I had a similar experience on a day tramp, except that the guy I met was the identical twin of someone I knew slightly but who I had no idea was a twin. A bit disconcerting, especially as when you’re tramping solo your mind is less focused on people than on solving the world’s problems or interacting with your environment. Happy hiking.
Ha ha, that situation sound more confusing than just seeing strangers