PCT Day 76: Bucks Lake Wilderness

Daily Miles: 26.7, Total Miles: 1273.1

I did it again. Last night I went through the routine of quickly jumping into the tent, zipping up, and killing all the skeeters that came in with me. Got settled into my sleeping bag and then remembered I had left my SPOT device outside on a rock. Had to get out, retrieve it and go through the whole re-entry process again. I lost a lot of blood.

First up was a steady descent to the Middle Fork Feather River just below 3,000 ft elevation. I then crossed what is reported to be the largest equestrian and hiker bridge on the PCT.

Two things are evident at the lower elevations I hadn’t seen for awhile – lots of poison oak and a snake stretched across the trail.

Climbed nearly 3,000 vertical feet up the other side to Lookout Rock.

A trail angel was setting up nearby so I got my pick of sodas, bananas, chips and cookies. Thanks to Water Tank and his helpful granddaughter.

Crossed over to Bucks Lake Road and entered the Bucks Lake Wilderness.

Climbed another 1,500 ft to just under 7,500 ft elevation in the shadow of Spanish Peak. Beautiful forest views east down the mountain from my tent. And the mosquitos weren’t bad either.