PCT Day 80 - Ashes

We wake early, collect water from the pond (which tastes like bug spray, I think my deet covered hands may have tainted my water), and set off to the PCT. There’s a 20 mile waterless stretch so we have to stop at the next water source and collect 2 extra liters (additional 4.4lbs).

The skeeters are a nightmare from the start. Stopping is inconceivable, moving fast seems to be our only hope. 

By 10am mile 8, the breeze picks up and the land is void from all water, so finally no bugs!

We hike until 3pm through a giant fire pit- all vegetation is burnt and ashes are everywhere for as far as the eye can see. One thing for sure, my legs and feet are going to be filthy. 

We entered the Crater Lake National Park today and will be taking the side trail down into the campground. We were told by SoBo’s that Gravity has a tent site :)

We get down to the camp store and grab dinner at the food hall, wash up and drink a bottle of wine with 7 other hikers before camping for the evening.