Day 32. July 27.
When I woke up I could smell smoke. I sent a satellite text to Helen to see if she could find anything. Nothing too close.
It was nice mature forests in the morning. To me, walking in a mature forest of large trees feels like being in a cathedral.
I was out of water and stopped at Charlton Lake. The sun poked through the clouds and smoke, hinting at nice weather.
Next was a huge steady climb.I was getting in a little better shape, but I had to stop several times. This was almost two miles of incline.
Near the top, a local cross country ski club has built and maintains a log hut. With winter use in mind, it had a woodburning stove and a sleeping loft accessible by stairs. Glad to have reached the top of the hill, I looked around and signed the guest book before leaving. I never sleep in these type of wooden shelters. There are always mice.
What comes after a long, difficult climb? A long, difficult descent of course. Actually it wasn’t so bad. At first it was actually pretty nice rolling slightly up and down along the forested ridge. Then it began with a few great views and a series of switchbacks.
A few different sets of trail runners passed me. I had difficulty walking up this route and they were running. And talking while they were running!
I dropped down to Rosary Lakes. Pretty, clear lakes with quite a few campers, it looked like about a six mile uphill hike for them to reach the lakes.
At the botTom of the descent I came out by a big gravel / sand barn for the highway. There was an electrical outlet on the outside so I took a few minutes to charge my electronics.
I crossed a highway to begin climbing up into a lake area. A former PCT hiker had left some beers as a gift for current hikers. It is often called "trail magic" when somebody provides an unexpected gift or treat. I grabbed a beer to have with dinner.
Mosquitoes were now a persistent nuisance. When I stopped I had to put on my head net and my wind gear to cover exposed areas.
Near 7:30 I found a spot I considered ideal. It was near the trail, but not visible. On the shore of a nice lake I made camp, ate, and enjoyed my trail magic. It gave me a chance to try and figure out why somebody names a place Hidden Lake. If it is named and on a map, how"hidden" can it be?
backpacking over the hill 