It says something about how tough yesterday was that we breezed through the day even with winds hitting 50mph on exposed ridges.

Start of the day was easy with us leaving rather late at 7.45 after breakfast. It was only a few miles into Burnt Rancheria campground (still closed at present) and a warm welcome from Pine House Cafe and Tavern. Coffee and muffin for second breakfast! Funnily, they had tables set aside for PCT hikers…. Wonder why 👃.

Then a short walk into the general store to resupply for the 3 days to Julian. The only water filter he had was the Sawyer Mini, which has a bad rep as being very slow, so I ordered a different one from Amazon to be shipped to Julian post office.

We decided to get some miles in before camp so after meeting Austin’s girlfriend and parents at Pine Lodge we pressed on to the next water source some 8 miles away. Amazing views of the desert on the way and 50mph winds at places, but the walking was easy and we polished it off. Indeed this is the first night I actually felt I had more miles in the tank.

Fun Fact: I am camped at 5444ft, over 1000ft higher than Ben Nevis.

And there is a wind advisory, so a stormy night ahead.