Butterfingers and I took our time leaving Etna. One more stop into the grocery store to browse the shelves, finding anything to add more weight to my backpack... visiting the coffee shop to download podcasts, music and the PCT water report. Then ending at the Hostel which, as word had it, would provide a ride back to the trail (13 miles away) for $5 per person. That felt like a steal since other hikers had waited near half a day to find a hitch up to the trail.
Reaching mile 1600 made me feel like nothing could stop me from reaching the California-Oregon Boarder. Then shortly after passing that mile marker, there was a Rattlesnake, all coiled up and ready to strike. That would have definitely put a hinder to my plans.
One of my favorite campsite on the PCT here would provide me with the best night sleep I'd had in a while.
