DAY 81: Thurs., Jul 17: 10 miles hiking today: TOTAL 1662.1

Coordinates: N. 41 deg.50.534', W 123 deg.11.792'. I am only 35.4 miles from the Oregon state line - but because of the long climb (from 1,371 ft at Seiad to 6,080 ft. elevation at the California-Oregon border), it will probably be Saturday morning before I get there. Met up with Billy Goat today. It was great seeing him again.

I'm camping at the Mid-River RV Park. There is a laundry and showers here. Also, I'll be eating pancakes for breakfast - this place is famous for them. I hear they were featured on a Travel Channel special on the best places in America to pig out. Will check it out!
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 80: Weds., Jul.16: FIRE DETOUR

Coordinates: N. 41deg.18.929', W. 122deg.58.647': Took a bus around the fire and then hitched into area north of the fire around Highway 93. Will hike into Seiad, CA on Thursday and pick up another mail drop from Shirley. She mailed a different ground pad to me in Castella. It is much improved than the one I was using. The smoke was so bad today.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 79: Tues., Jul.15: 34.1 Miles TOTAL 1565.6

Wanted to catch you up on my progress from Castella, CA on Monday. Due to the huge fire that is scorching Northern California, I hiked north on the PCT until the trail was closed. I covered 34.1 miles - COORDINATES: N 41 deg.16.900', W 122 deg.40.211'. I spent the night near Etna Summit. The trail was moderate, crossing and number of streams and lakes. I carried too much water. Could have just drank from any number of springs. Oh well. Did not go into the town of Etna - no mail expected so I skipped it.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard