Beautiful Northern California

July 22-23: Rumor has it that Northern California is the equivalent of Virginia on the AT. Meaning that people get the "Virginia Blues" because it is the longest state and it feels like you are never going to get out of it, especially after quickly going through the first three states. After the Sierras, many hikers experience a letdown, as we come out of the high elevation and the breathtaking alpine lakes and views every day. And then, California just stretches on forever! More thru-hikers drop out in Northern California than anywhere else on the trail. I actually talked to a British hiker who, upon reviewing his progress just out of the Sierras, concluded that he was never going to finish the trail before his visa expired. "Hike to Tahoe", I said. "Then skip Northern California and pick it up again in Oregon."

My bad.

Because despite all the rumors about the blandness and boredom and skip-ability of Northern California, I was finding that this was my favorite part of the trail. Yes, the Sierras are beautiful. And,yes, hiking 700 miles of desert really is a badge of honor and gives you admission to the bad-ass club. But I just adore hiking through evergreen forests. I love hiking in trees. And I love breathtaking mountain views. This section of trail was providing so much of that! 

I almost forgot how much my feet were hurting and how badly I needed to replace my shoes!
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Mt Shasta is absolutely stunning, don't you think?

Peace, love, and trail magic!