17     Sierra City - Belden   92 miles

Sierra City

A Tree                                    22 m

Fowler Peak Trailhead                23 m

Bucks Lake Road                       23 m

Clear Creek                              15 m

Belden                                      9 m

I had breakfast at the Red Moose Inn before starting the long climb back out of the valley. Long stretches were treeless in the sun. After reaching the crest again the trail became easier. At night I arrived at the A-tree. The name derives from a game of words. Coming from a = one tree it changed over time into A-tree. I walked on to Bucks Lake thereby relying on the positive comments in Yogi's book about the breakfast at Bucks Lake. The expected big breakfast however was not available. They only opened at 11 am. Of course this was far too late for breakfast. All I had was an ice cream. I had a nice long foot bath at Feather Creek which is crossed on a high bridge.

Then the long descent to Belden had to be done. Just before the start I met a group of girl scouts. When passing them they formed a honor guard and I had to pass in the middle. What a reception! Upon arriving in Belden I phoned the Braaten's and a group of us was picked up. We were driven to the Post Office and then their hostel. Down in these valleys in northern California it is quite a bit warmer then up in the mountains.

PCT at Packer Lake Saddle

My shadow

No Christmas tree cutting sign

PCT along steep slope

Middle Fork Feather River

Flower near PCT

Honor guard by girl scouts shortly before descent to Belden

<< South Lake Tahoe <<      >> Hat Creek Old Station  >>