Woke up and immediately got a lot of bad news. First, the air quality index was up around 190 - higher than yesterday. Second, I saw the Dixie Fire had exploded last night and had completely burned the town of Greenville. That was where we got our second hitch around the fire from the Mom and her daughter. There's apparently not much left, so that was a little disturbing.
Frank and I slept really well last night as this bed is amazingly comfortable. It might have been what we needed. We got up slowly and did some phone chores. Just before 11, we checked out and headed out into the smoke. We decided that we shouldn't stay in such a nice places anymore as it makes going back to the trail really difficult.
Frank donned her N95 mask that she got yesterday and we walked up the road to the trail.
It was rough going, but the mask helped her more than it hurt. We crossed under I-5 for the second time on the trail and climbed up a bit through the smoke.
The going was slow, but we were hiking. Dirty Knuckles and Prime passed us as well as Atlas and First Class. The trail was mostly in the trees but we got some views of Pilot Rock and smoke-screened mountains.
The trail crossed several dirt roads and gates and was generally uninteresting. We ate lunch (I got fancy with mine - a sandwich with salami, cheese, spinach, and a garlic sauce) and then planned for three more miles to a water source and camp. When we got there, we found a bunch of other hikers getting water and no good available tent sites (the two good ones were already taken).
Having no better options, we pushed on another two miles to another spot. On the way, I checked the air quality and found that it had gotten better: it was 53 - barely in the "Unhealthy for sensitive groups" category. Ever since we had left, it have been getting better, but the wind had picked up recently and that helped clear some of the smoke out. By now, Frank had taken off her mask and was walking freely without any issues. We arrived at camp, found a site, set up camp, and ate dinner together before turning in.
Difficult conditions. I hope the air continues to improve. I hope the Greenville family was spared.
ReplyDeleteNot much was spared in that town...
DeleteYou're doing great! I love reading your blog though I disliked the bad news of those horrible conditions. So glad for the reprieve from the smoke too!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the wind came! These first hand accounts of smoke, air quality are really painting a picture of how horrible these fires are and to hear a whole town is gone!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's really sad, it was such a cute little town with really friendly people.
DeleteTough to hear that the fires destroyed an entire town. Glad the smoke conditions have gotten at least a little better for you all.
ReplyDelete