Today I decided to change my plans and leave Etna in the morning instead of the afternoon. With this I want to pass Seiad Valley tomorrow.

I slept in the hiker hut and had some problems falling asleep. Once I fell asleep I slept rather well but as always I woke up rather early.

In the morning I had some breakfast that I had bought day before. After breakfast I mostly relaxed and used the WiFi until the hitch back to the trail around 8.

Before entering a big burn area there were green trees everywhere
Before entering a big burn area there were green trees everywhere

I started hiking at 0845 and wanted to do about 35 miles which would put me about 20 miles from Seiad Valley.

For a lot of miles I was walking in a burn area. This is always quite sad
For a lot of miles I was walking in a burn area. This is always quite sad

The day was lovely with a bit of wind at times which kept the temperatures down.

I passed a few lakes like this one
I passed a few lakes like this one

Mostly I had really good views as the trail was going along mountainsides. I can now also easily see that I am really getting to the Pacific Northwest. Everything is quite green. The trail did have quite some rocks at times though.

Mount Shasta just visible in the distance
Mount Shasta just visible in the distance

Once again I encountered a bit of snow but I could mostly avoid stepping on it.

Snow! I had to cross a bit of snow today hopefully this is not going to be a common occurrence
Snow! I had to cross a bit of snow today hopefully this is not going to be a common occurrence

With the miles I am doing now I find I have to stop more often for water. Today I stopped twice. Luckily there have been no long water carries so I just carry 2 liters.

There was no really big climb or descent today but a lot of smaller ones. Tomorrow I will start the day with a long descent and then after Seiad Valley I have a very steep climb.

I might get up early tomorrow to get to Seiad Valley as early as possible. I want to make sure I get there no later than 14 as that is when the Cafe closes.

I have decided to replace my shoes in Ashland and use one more pair after that. This is because I remembered that people normally only use trail runners for 500-600 miles and mine will have more than 600 by then. Also other hikers in Etna recommended the same.