Day 155 (16 June)

1053.4 to 1092.9 (13 Miles) Etna to Scott Mountain Summit Campground

7am. We pack our bags, deal with some administrative stuff and call family back home, informing them of our plan to bypass the Trinity Alps and do the road walk. They approve, relieved we're not getting ourselves in a potentially dangerous situation. By the time we leave it's 09.30am, a bit later than planned. And we still need mosquito spray. This is very very important. We need a way to stay clear of the mozzies out there. Being eaten alive is not on my bucket list.

We start our roadwork at around 10am. It's very hot by now and down here in the valley there is hardly any shade. This is going to be interesting. This is too hot and too demanding for my feet. Asphalted roads really are the worst. Within a matter of minutes I feel that my feet will be the victims of today. But so far hitching is not an option. We are hiking this thing. 13 Miles straight to Callahan on Highway 3, and then 8 miles and 2500 ft (800 meters) uphill from Callahan to Scott Mountain Summit . This is not recommendable unless you plan on ruining your feet. I complain the whole time and need a lengthy break every 1.5 miles. We are slow. In addition to the aching feet the back is also complaining. We are carrying a lot of water due to lack of water in the area, and food for 5 days to get us to Dunsmuir. We weighed our packs today: My pack weighs 17 kg or 37 pounds, Dario's pack weighs 24 kg or 53 pounds. It's safe to say we are suffering. Soon we have to admit that this was the worst idea ever. It's no fun, there are no views. There is just pain. And a lot of it. We still need our feet and decide to call it quits in Callahan and hitch up to the trailhead. Therefore, after 13 miles by 4.15pm we get into Callahan, get something cool to drink in the store and then get back on the road to find a ride. Not even kidding, after roughly 20 seconds, the first car pulls over and lets us jump into the back of the pickup truck. The ride takes about 20 minutes, we're in the back of this red truck. Wind and sun in our hair, legs stretched out. This is way better.

It's now 5pm and still really really hot. We decide to camp at the campground here and set up the tent, without the rainfly for the first time this season. It would definitely be warm enough. What's better than to be sleeping right under the stars? You tell me. Cooking dinner and blogging followed by a pasta dinner with fresh tomatoes. We're back on the PCT. The love we have for this trail is indescribable. Just try it for yourself, you'll see.