A very productive day. Pilgrim was up and about before me but I still managed my earliest start yet, heading out at 6.25.

The weather was moderate, the trail was predominantly descending (though with plenty of mini climbs) and I was up for it, so I posted my longest day yet. The fact that I have eaten almost all my food and my pack is light helps too!

The early start meant that the low clouds over the valley hadn’t burnt off yet:

A short-ish climb led to gentle descent and contouring round the hills, and my initial destination was the Ranger Station at 17 miles.

I bumped into the Liverpool Hikers, Brian and Heidi, again. First time I’d seen them for 300 miles!

Arrived at the Ranger station but unfortunately the Germans had got there first and claimed the first picnic bench. We quickly grabbed the second, fearing that they would annex it.

The ranger provided water and also sold us soda (see, I’m Americanised now. That’s pop or fizzy drink to you).

I decided I was in good shape to press on to the KOA campground.

Just to clarify, when I usually mention ‘campground’, for example ‘Little Jimmy’s’ from the other day, it is a basic camping area with, if lucky, a pit toilet and bear boxes, and no water. However this is a proper campground as we might understand it in the UK with showers, a little shop etc.

The long day leaves me with only a 10 mile walk to Hiker Heaven ( https://hikerheaven.com/). Will resupply there for the next section.