Chief, aka Kevin. PCT 4 me 2013: A Shasta Lily and Hundreds of Blackberries! Nature's Trail Magic.

Near McCloud Resevoir - Castle Crags State Park
mile 1476-1506

After staying at a wonderful campground a few miles towards McCloud Lake, I am now at Castle Crags State Park (July 15). I've read about this park in Sunset magazine and have always wanted to stay. It's quite beautiful. Outside of McCloud, the owners of the small park we stayed out were the most gracious couple. They drove Chief and I around their inherited 450 acre ranch, which they have turned into a Fly Fishing RV/campground. It has 3 ponds which are stocked for fishermen and only 29 campsites spread out among the beautiful valley with Mt. Shasta looming over you. Mr. Friday (Bob) was intent that I see a Shasta Lily, as they only bloom during a small window of perhaps 7-10 days and we were right in that time period. Bob and MayLawn drove us all around in their little electric cart to find the lily. Chief had been talking about this flower for a day or two, as the aroma is undescribable and you can smell it above anything else when walking through the forest. Sure enough, we found a small patch of 5 - 6 lily's. They were quite aromatic.
Such nice people. I hope we can go back to this little gem of a place, in the middle of nowhere.

Leaving Chief at trailhead early this morning, I set off for my short drive to Castle Crags State Park, where the PCT meanders through. Stopped in Dunsmuir early at the coffee shop to have breakfast. Apparently, just missed Roger Dodger who was also in Dunsmuir. Would have really liked to see him again. Drove a bit south, as the trail now does some wierd south-west bendy crap. It's the big bend WEST, towards Etna. Got to Castella (store and Post office...that's it!) and picked up Chief's box. Had some new shoes sent here by REI (shoe number 4). The store is the hangout as it is also the resupply and Trail Angel for the area. Nice couple who run this little store, The Ameritas Market. They have the biggest selection of IPA's I have evers seen! Even their own brand!

Will leave here tomorrow and head north towards Etna (him walking the 100 miles and me driving, far less!) Very excited to be back in that neck of the woods. There is also the plus that there is a Blue Grass Festival this weekend in Etna! Chief is going to take a zero day and we will definitely enjoy our last couple of days together, listening to music, eating and drinking.