Day 98 – Warner Valley Campground Mile 1352.1 to Mile 1368.8

Thursday, July 30. Mid-50s and sunny going up to low-80s.

Up at 7:00. Mostly packed up and walked to the Guest Ranch for a big breakfast. I won’t need lunch today. Packed and on trail at 9:45. Late start but nice morning.

Had breakfast company.

Very steep 1.5-mile climb up out of the Warner Valley! Looking back across the valley. I came down through that saddle on the right yesterday.

More white thorn and burn area today. Thank god I have long pants. It still gets through sometimes.

River crossing on a log jumble.

Boardwalk through a marsh.

More burn area.

Passed by Lower Twin Lake at 1:30 and 8 miles. Several hikers were here enjoying a swim.

Took the cutoff to Cluster Lakes trail. It’s 4.6 miles before reconnecting with the PCT. Saves .4 miles. The real reason is that there is water (lakes) on this alternate but none on the PCT. I want to camp not far after Cluster Lakes Trail rejoins the PCT, so this is my only water option. I’ll fill up and carry 4.5 liters to my camp for tonight.

Feather Lake surrounded by burnt trees.

Silver Lake and Mount Lassen. The water is amazingly clear, but very warm. Grabbed 1.5 liters of water here. Not another soul on this side trail today.

Cluster Lakes. My last water of the day. Carried an extra 2 liters away for dinner and tonight.

Hot and barren afternoon.

Left Lassen at 5:05

 Nice final views of Mount Lassen.

YouTube Video of Day 98

Made camp at 5:50. Six other hikers nearby. No cell. We are on the edge of the burn area. Some live trees.

Technical Notes:

• Scrambled eggs 130
• Bacon 400
• Sausage 500
• Juice 400
• Coffee 
• Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein 
• Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein 
• Fritos 320
• Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
• Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
• Salami: 150
• White chicken chili: 760 cal, 41g protein 
• Fritos: 400
• Hostess mini chocolate donuts 300
• Skittles 250
• Water liters: 4
• Miles: 17.13
• Time: 8:11
• Up: 1946
• Down: 2142
• Calories consumed: 4100
• Calories burned: 2329
• iPhone battery used: 40%