PCT, Day 22

This morning, I expect to see my garbage distributed around my tent due to all the noise I heard last night. However, except for a small hole in the garbage bag, everything looks good. I notice that the wet wipe I had used last night and put in the vestibule was completely chewed through. I also see that one of my socks fell to the ground from the top of my backpack last night, and when I put the sock on, it has lots of holes. This animal must have a preference for socks. I won't leave my socks outside anymore.

I start walking at 6:40, and the first hour is fast and easy, but then I spend the next hour to get a river crossing done. The river is deep, and I walk along its side to find a better spot, but everything seems worse. The riverbed is sandy at least, so I take off my shoes and socks and start walking into the ice-cold water. The current is stronger than I thought, and the ground makes me sink in when I stop to figure out the next step. In the end, the water reaches just up to my buttocks, but I'm glad my backpack stays dry. It takes a moment on the other side to dry my feet and put on my shoes and socks, and finally, I can continue my walk.

A few kilometers down the way, there is a small water cache, which I'm always grateful for, especially on a hot day. Further into the walk, a trail angel had left a cooler with soft drinks, but unfortunately, there are only empty cans when I arrive. I meet the guy who did this nice thing, and he says that every week he provides some cool drinks for hikers, each time at a different spot.

Today, I'll have to walk at least 31 km to the end of Lake Silverwood since the last tent site before the lake is about 16 km away, and it's too early to stop there.

I'm not keen on camping on the grounds at Lake Silverwood, as there has been a bear showing up every day for a few weeks, looking for food. However, I first decide to walk further, which would mean another 6 km, but then I'm so tired, and I see a space that looks good for my tent. It's in a closed group camping area at the outskirts of the Lake Silverwood campgrounds. There's no one around, and no one should be there, but I decide to stay. There's a shower that I can't use since I don't have quarters to get the water started, but I use it to store my food and backpack inside the room, hoping the bear won't come here. Other hikers/campers are closer to the lake on an open campground. I'm also a bit afraid that park rangers might check the place and find me, but so far, so good. Everything is quiet in the evening, and I soon fall asleep.

This river looks calm and innocent but it was so deep with a current underneath:

Water Cache