DUNSMUIR California (mile 1501.2 ) to ASHLAND Oregon (mile 1718.7). As is the way of the trail towns, they are situated near rivers at lower elevations, therefore, there is always a climb out of a resupply location. We leave Dunsmuir and go up 3500′ which takes us a hot 6 hours. We are now headed for the Trinity Divide and Alps wilderness. The trail twists and traverses along the crest of these mountains for days of outstanding views.
Jobie almost stumbles with excitement as he descends into Boulder Lakes area. He has planned out a waterside campsite on a side trail off the PCT. Most “Thruhikers” will not deviate from the trail to camp and we find it shocking how few of them care to swim!! We find privacy and cleansing here.
We resupplied in the town of Etna. We stayed at this old time Victorian B&B which even had a white washed fence.The townsfolk all were friendly to us dirt covered hikers. Caught a live band performance, had our 2nd worst dinner @ the pub and one of our top dinners @ the restaurant, great bakery, an outfitters shop, and soft serve ice cream. FYI I have rekindled my childhood passion for soft serve ice cream! Yum!! Just so simple!
In the Marble Wilderness there are a few lakes that are inhabited by Californian rough skinned newts. They are brown with pink bellies and under paws. Dozens of them will come to explore you when swimming. AMAZING!! They gave me an underwater nose bump and high five with their flattened pat-a-cake paws. They were as curious about us as we were of them. I could have stayed and played all afternoon.
We resupplied in Seiad Valley as the trail passes right in front of the store/post office ( can’t get any easier than this). We picked up our box of food, packed up, grabbed a coffee and a milkshake and started another hot climb out of town.
The mountains are noticeably sharper edged around Seiad Valley. The grade of the trail rises as well which makes things more difficult in the heat of the day. Hot Buns ( a fellow hiker ) exclaimed that to her this was the hardest 20 miles of the trail!
Zip and Jobie Go Hiking 
I am living my hiking dreams vicariously through the two of you!! Amazing shots, I can feel the heat right through them. Stay hydrated!!
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Amazing trip , scenery breathtaking. You certainly deserve a soft serve ice cream after a days hike! Looking forward to Oregon adventures! Safe travels
Christine
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David says that we feel like we are on the trail with you! We are in awe of your skills aswe continue to walk Winter Cove Park daily and spend lots of time reading and bird watching. Love seeing you lolling on tyour comfortable beds!!! Sweet! Much love to both of you!
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