Today was one of the best days on the trail so far. 
Last night was COLD! None of us were prepared for it. Also, it didn't help that I had to get up around 1:30am to relieve my bladder. I tried going back to sleep instead, but there was no way I was going to hold it for another 5 hours. So I went out maybe 5 feet from my tent, bare footed, shorts and my coat. I say again, it was Cold.
Took my time eating breakfast and packing up. Talked with Alex (who also was taking his time) for a while as we let our rain flies thaw then dry just a little.
I left camp dressed head to toe in my warm clothes. Not 15 minutes later, I had to pull off the trail to strip everything off. I knew I was going to need to, but I just couldn't get myself to do it before leaving camp.
The next 6 miles were uneventful. The scenery was very desert like. The last 12 miles were incredible.
Last night we had camped next to Deep Creek, which I would agree was a creek. By mile 298, the creek turned into a river (but doesn't change its name). Ever curve/corner that I went around provided a new view that I couldn't help take pictures of.
Around 12:30pm, shortly after passing the 300 Mile point, I found a way to the river. I needed more water and was ready for lunch. Anna and Alex were already there eating and drying out their gear from last nights frost. I chose to do the same. There were a ton of flies in this area and they drove me crazy. There were always 5 in my face at all times. I would take out 10 of them and there would still be 5 more. Tolerated them till 2:00pm. I would rather hike in the heat then deal with them.
Lunch was followed by more views. It would have taken my mom a lifetime to walk through this canyon. Around every corner she would have wanted a picture. So did I.
[wpvideo Dgtte4pM]
As I approached the third bridge of the day, I looked down at a beach area to find Leah, Riley, Alyssa, Viet and Skinny Thor yelling at me that they had found a good spot. This was awesome as I was becoming concerned that the next campsite was 8 miles down the trail (which was published on the Topo Maps).
Setup camp, which was easy. Cowboy camping... This will be my first time on the PCT, not including once in San Diego and once at Ziggy and the Bear. They were in town, so I don't count them. It was the same group as last night. It was much warmer than last night, but we are also 2500 feet lower in elevation.
Took care of the normal chores and worked on this blog till it was dark.
The sound of the river and being able to gaze at the stars is nice.