Castella to Etna

DAY 110 (August 20)
To Disappearing Creek & Tentsite 
9 miles 

Went to Amirati's Market (which is basically) a little shop in the gas station to pick up my (last!) resupply box, get some coffee and a fresh sandwich.

Hung out there in the shade with Zeth, Old School, Gazelle, and Bubble Boy. Caveman left quite early to get back on trail.

Left with Bubble Boy and Smile to Fleming trail which leads to the PCT.

DAY 111 (August 21)
To Deadfall Lakes
25.1 miles 

I started early at 5 pm to tackle an ascent which was exposed before the heat of the day would start. Saw a bear that was running away into some bushes a bit further down the hill. Only noticed it as it was making quite some noise. Not very discreet these bears ;)

A group of day hikers we were chatting with gave us melon, cucumber, and a sandwich. Sweet!

Our tent site after the targeted 25 miles was at a beautiful lake with lots of cozy grass to camp on.

It's been a long time since I slept so well without waking up at night. Very cozy and peaceful.

DAY 112 (August 12)
To mile 1559
25 miles 

Go through options about how to continue all morning. Northern California seems to last forever ambidextrous walking has become really boring. I divide the day into 3 sections of 8 or 9 miles after which I take a break and eat something so what I am actually looking forward to is a meal :)

Passed 2,500km marker. Fancy Pants catches up.

DAY 113 (August 23)
13 miles to go to Edna 

Meet Jazzman during breakfast break at one of the water sources. He had been to PCT days at Cascade Locks by train and is now back on trail.

Reaching the road, I wonder if a car would ever come that way at this time of the day. And we were four! To our surprise, a pickup truck came up the hill and stopped. While the other 3 squeezed into the backseat, I took the passenger seat beside a big rifle. A hunter who was heading home after a successful early morning hut. A bit scary but still happy to get into town so quickly.