Day 112 – 12 Jul 19. Dropping Off the Edge and a Relaxing Haven

Today 19.0 km (11.8 mi), Total Distance 2268.7 km (1409.7 mi) 4 hours (0730-1130)

I woke up glad to see that most of the ants had disappeared. I still had to shake my shoes out as even though the top was covered by my gaiters some ants had got in.

On the trail I was loving the beautiful views of Mt Shasta in front and the valley way below me. I looked back and could see the escarpment I walked on yesterday.

I passed the two guys from yesterday who had found a great spot under a tree on the edge of the escarpment. I found out later it was not so great as something had chewed multiple holes in one of the tents.

Shortly afterwards the first southbounder passed. There were 5 today.

After a mile and a half I reluctantly dropped down from the escarpment and through some volcanic rocky areas. Now it was largely flat the rest of the day. The trail was rocky for the first few miles, then opened up to some meadows and finally into the forest, slowly dropping down to a lake.

Two southbounders approached and said “Hi Kiwi”. tThey were section hikers goinng all the way to Kennedy Meadows Soouth. They had watched some of my videos which is how they recognised me.

As I was dropping down I nearly stood on a snake that was stretched over the path. It was only short and was a beautiful pattered brown.

At the bottom of the climb the trail went over a steel pipe with water gushing over it, a big tease for those that had run out of water. Shortly after it was the first water for a long time as I crossed the creek by rock stepping stones.

Then a meadow with beautiful pink flowers and out onto a road by a hydro station. There was a concrete path down to a bridge which was full of people fishing. Then past a lake that had more people fishing and a flock of Pelicans, not what I was expecting to see.

The trail followed the lake edge before climbing up and away. A mile later I arrived at the power pylons where I tuned off trail for the 0.3 mile walk to the Burney Mountain Guest Ranch.

Just short of the ranch I noticed a huge nest in one of the pylons which had Osprey Chicks in it.

I followed the signs to the Ranch and to a small information board which gave directions on how the set up worked. Firstly was go to the “Goat Shed” to wash my hands. In the shed was two washing machines and two showers.

I dumped my pack and headed to the general store to have a quick look and was impressed with the range of goods. I would have no trouble doing my 4 day resupply here. Then I went to the lodge to put my name down for dinner and breakfast.

The ranch works on a honesty system. You record down which accommodation package you selected and all the food/gear you take from the store and then pay before you leave. I chose the standard package of tent site, shower with shampoo and laundry with laundry powder and breakfast. This was $30 and also included use of the pool. Dinner was $15 which was good value as the meals were tasty and generous portions, basically keep eating until you are full.

I set up my tent, had a shower and put my laundry on. Then I grabbed a cold drink, ice cream and sat on the shaded porch of the lodge, charging electronics and editing videos. I went back to the store a few times for a burrito, more drinks and more ice cream.

Dinner was make your own burritos with the meat being lamb. It was lovely and accompanied by lemonade and a salad. I sat with Blue and another guy, both of whom had done the Sierras. We swapped sierra stories, enjoying being with others who had gone through the same thing.

After dinner I did my resupply and relaxed, with more ice cream before having an early night.`

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