We got up early today. The reason: the proximity of Old Station with only 7 miles to hike for real food and cold drinks. It was all downhill so we were just cruising into town. First stop JJ’s Cafe for breakfast. The bets were running again for me to get 4 sunny side up eggs with bacon and a waffle with whipped cream and strawberries, an orange juice and coffee. Good call! Only that I also got a milkshake on top 🙂

And another set of the movie “Wild”. I wouldn’t say though that I had done so much wrong so far but definitely much right to get here…


Since the weather forecast for today and the next days was to be in the high 90’s F / 30’s C we decided to wait out the heat of the day in the shade. Naps, beer and snacks. Hiker’s Heaven…

We left again at around 5pm and did a little detour to a lava tube which was very close to the trail. Constant 46F and dark. We took some time for a few photo projects.



After a short little climb we ended on the Hat Creek Rim. A rim which just follows the valley for quite a stretch with an almost vertical drop. Great hiking at the end of the day with Shasta Mountain in sight the entire time. The terrain changed. We are fully in volcanic area. So the nice and soft pine needle ground changed to sharp basalt rocks – a b*** to walk on. You have to watch every step and they also eat your shoes like we eat candy…


We pitched our tents in the sunset and enjoyed the rest of the day.


The good thing – we will hit our resupply point tomorrow so we were almost out of food and very light. Therefore we decided to pack some happy food out of Old Station for dinner: A pulled pork sandwich and a couple of beers. Great treat for dinner!!!