Festivals, Fires and Flexibility.
When we last checked in we had hiked to Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. All that hiking demanded a small vacation so we took a bus up to meet some good friends at the High Sierra Music Festival in Quincy California, approximately 300 trail miles north. For 4 days we relaxed, danced, ate fabulous foods and enjoyed time with friends. (Thank you friends!) We planned on picking up the trail right near Quincy but one of California's many fires had closed the trail and forced us further north. We have not seen blue sky for several weeks. In fact we have been hiking very near 14,000' Mt. Shasta and have only seen it twice through the haze.
We have received letters from friends asking us to post info about certain topics, so here is my attempt at answers. Ian asked us about wildlife sightings. We have seen the usual suspects, deer, marmot, reptiles, etc. Christian has seen two bears and I have yet to see any. The wildlife has been scarce and I wonder where the wild things are. We have speculated that with so many hikers on the trail there is little opportunity for those chance encounters. Some extra cool encounters have been a bald eagle, a fox with a squirrel in it's mouth and then there is the rattlesnake attack I thwarted with my hiking poles!.... I would have rather seen a bear.
Kelly asked us about food. This is a topic that occupies our thoughts for many hours of the day. Our appetites have finally stabilized. While in the Sierra we were consuming many calories, often eating two dinners each night. By and large we are happy with the meals we are sending ourselves although we probably won't be eating granola for some time after we return home. Town stops usually provide us with some of our top cravings: Pizza, beer, ice cream and fresh fruit and veggies. We were excited about the wild onions along the trail and now we are coming in to berry season with wild raspberries starting to fruit. Friends have sent some yummy care packages that not only nourish us with calories but a sweet connection to home. Thanks to all who have sent us things. Special mention to Jenny who has sent us a collection of home baked goodies at each stop and Aja whose creativity and love are a blessing. Our friend Griz surprised us here at Castella and has been taking great care of us by bringing us into Mt. Shasta City for a yummy Mexican meal, laundry and showers - much needed and appreciated.
Many folks have enquired about the fires. In Southern California the trail was closed near Idyllwild. As I mentioned we missed about 100 miles of trail south of Lassen National Park. We have just learned that the trail north of Etna is closed through the Marble Mountain Wilderness. Griz is going to meet us again for some hiking and will help us get around that fire. The smoke has affected us by obscuring views and causing havoc with our sinuses but we are lucky to be enjoying our life outdoors in all it's conditions.
What lies ahead for us? All will be revealed and we will keep you posted as the opportunity presents itself.
Wow, California is one long state.... even with the fire and festival detours! Our friend Griz helped us out again by gettings us around the fire north of Etna, but not before stopping by the Etna brewery. We've decided to say we are doing a "Brew-Hike" instead of a Thru-Hike as we are drinkers with a hiking problem! 
