July 16, 2012 - Social Hour

Day 32
Trail junction near Mt. Elwell
Plumas National Forest
Miles: 20
Trip: 547

As expected, it was very hard to pull myself away from Sierra City. and Bill and Margaret's hospitality. Their little "resort" is almost exactly what I had pictures when I fantasized about town stops, back when I thought the PCT would be a non-stop social mixer. That's not the case, at least for us, and I really don't think I'd want it to be. Meeting so many others scratched an itch I'd had for awhile, but I think that scene would rub me raw pretty quickly. I still think it would be easier to get to know someone on the trail, moving along day by day, instead of sitting around trying to impress each other with stories. Well, maybe that would happen too, but hiking through the wilderness makes for a very low-pressure atmosphere. It seems hard to find hiking partners this far along in the journey - most people group up in the desert - but it could still happen. And we have to meet up with Soren and Justin! (Soren worked at IslandWood, a grad program I attended)

Shaggy says:

    The town stay in Sierra City was amazing. It was so great to meet so many friendly people in such a great setting. This morning it was hard for us to get going. I was all ready, but Lauren was enjoying socializing and taking her time leaving. I was feeling nearly sick to my stomach after all the food I ate this morning and last night.  Or maybe it was just town. At 6 AM a work crew began re-paving the highway in front of the store. The noise from them woke me up.
      After a trip to the post office, we hit the trail. Bill from the Red Moose gave us directions for hiking out of town. He drew us a map that involved many unmarked old mining roads. The attraction is that it would take us right out of town, and past an old mine we could possibly check out. It would also cut off a few miles. I am in no way a purest, anytime I can take a sweet detour, I will.
   The route had us climbing up steep jeep roads, it was beautiful though. I was a bit nervous that we were off track a couple times, but Bill's map did not lie!  It was right on, and after 6 miles we were on the PCT.
   The rest of the trail today was super smooth. We walked about 20 miles total, and are both feeling pretty strong. The walking was easy and though the views were less spectacular than in other places, it was very peaceful. There is something about walking in a forested area. I wouldnt normally notice it,  but we have been out of the woods on high ridges for so long. The woods are confining and comfortable at the same time. They can make me feel claustrophobic yet completely free at the same time. The moss on the trees here makes the trees feel full with life, a glimpse of what Washington holds for us perhaps?
    It is so windy right now, and chilly... A cold July night in Northern California. Crazy. Time for rest.

Alpine Lily, I think. But does it really matter? A lily by any other name...

In the woods, no one can hear you groan.