July 17, 2008 Pacific Crest Trail

Destination: Close to an unnamed creek
Miles: 28

Adrian:
We ran into Beautiful and Gorgeous at the Peter Grubb hut; another fine example of a Sierra Club ski hut. Also there were Johnny Cache and Chris.

We hiked with the girls through awesome fields of Mule Ear flowers on the top of hills and ridges. The trail stayed high on the Crest and afforded great views of hills and forests.

We pushed the miles for no particular reason other than just for pure pleasure. Tramping along until just before dark we were treated to a sublime sunset as we hiked. We found a nice stream and campsite for 4, cooked dinner and crashed.

A fun and productive day.

Kirsten:
Since we've written about Simon/Johnny Cache/Mr. Clean and Chris I should probably describe them a bit for you. I love these guys because they are unabashed-always-at-full-tilt boys. Both 19 years old, these two Massachusetts kids grew up together. Simon's the chatty one and Chris is quiet, although I can tell there's a wicked sense of humor buried beneath his stoic demeanor. Their exuberance is catching. They hike fast, yet take breaks about every 20 minutes to work on their slingshot skills, admire the scenery or explore some random site along the trail. It's as if Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn with a little taste of Dazed and Confused are hiking the PCT.

We reunited unexpectedly with Beautiful and Gorgeous, who are probably (and I've said this before) my favorite people on the trail. Beautiful is tiny, but mighty, as my grandmother would've said. She's funny and may be the boldest person I've ever met. Gorgeous has a certain determination about her. She's not a braggart or flashy. Without saying much you get the sense she's capable of just about anything. Plus, these two girls are sweet - always offering me tea and treats.

Tonight after dinner Beautiful read a chapter from Goldfinger - the golf scene where James Bond challenges the evildoer to a game. It was a nice treat for me since the only reading material I have out here is the pages from the guidebook.