Etna, California

Dave called Saturday July 31st. The guys made it into Etna, California, their resupply location. When Dave got off the trail, he found a hitch 10.4 miles into town almost right away. Zero and Fire Marshall joined him later.

The Etna exit from the trail is at PCT mile 1606.5. Dave says it is a town 1 mile x 1 mile. He went to the shell station, was able to shower, and wash his clothes. He camped with Zero and a new friend, Redmond, in the woods by the High School.

Fire Marshall has issues with his feet, so he went to the Hostel. Dave was unsure whether or not Fire Marshall would be able to hike today. They were all hoping to get right back on the trail last night, but decided to give Fire Marshall's feet a rest.

Dave sounds so very excited. He's pleased with the progress they've been making. Their goal now is to hike 120 to 140 miles per week. Dave said the trail is so much easier. It's clear, well maintained, and the climbing has been minimal. He did say that they are going to be climbing soon, but it's nothing like the Sierras. Every time they turn a corner there is a more beautiful scene to see. He's been disappointed at how much wildlife he has not seen. This area around Etna and Mt. Shasta is full of deer. They are everywhere and Dave is loving it.

Thursday night Dave camped just off a road and was worried all night about cows trampling him. He said that there were so many cows and they were everywhere. Sadly, the cows don't sleep at night, they just kept moving around him. He was thankful there were no cow incidents!

There has been some concern with crossing the boarder into Canada. Dave has all permits from the States and from Canada to do a legal crossing. I'm going to do a bit more investigation to insure he'll have no issues crossing into Canada. There are just over 1000 miles to go until he he gets to Canada.

He had very poor phone service yesterday, but he was going to try and call again today to let me know the status of Fire Marshall's feet and whether or not they'd be able to get on the trail today.

A great big congratulations to Dave's MOM and DAD on their Wedding Anniversary yesterday!!! Hope you had a fabulous celebration of this special day and the past 57 years! Dave is thinking of you both and all his family all the time. He loves you very much.

Trail Angel Jane