PCT Day 106: Cowhorn Mountain to Odell Lake

Daily Miles: 26.7, Total Miles: 1912.6

The day started off well enough. Beautiful sunrise and walk up a ridge towards Cowhorn Mountain with views both east and west. I could see down on the fog in the valleys and lakes below.

I descended to Summit Lake and the mosquitos were savage, forcing me to put on the head net. I walked to the CG at the north end of the lake and met two campers, Sophie, Lana and Shady, their dog. They offered me coffee, nectarines, blueberries and cherry tomatoes. I said yes to all and as a parting gift, they gave me a chocolate bar. Thanks, made my day!

I soon entered Diamond Peak Wilderness and heard thunder. Then the hail started in one of the most intense hailstorms I have been in. I pulled out my rain jacket and pack cover and hugged a big tree for 45 minutes.

As the storm lessened, I climbed up and around Diamond Peak and got caught in another rain and hailstorm. Had to find cover under a group of trees for 30 minutes. One observation – hail trumps mosquitos, at least for awhile.

Finally, I was able to resume the climb around the mountain and down to Odell Lake and Shelter Cove Resort, my next re-supply. Picked up my box and got a campsite, sharing with Stilts and Muppet.