We arose early this morning, before dawn, and in the chill darkness started off towards the barren open flats to the south. We have struck once more into the Cascade range's crusted, volcanic lava fields. Lassen Peak came into view as we crossed the idyllic marshes of Baum Lake -- geese honking, the fields and waters aflutter with a fresh exciting feeling of life.
Blackberry juice stains my fingers, the thorns rasping claw marks across my legs as I climb into the dense, dangerous heaps in search of plump lunchtime snacks . . .
We crossed our 2,000-mile mark at around 1:30 pm at a road just east of the small town of Cassel. We celebrated our accomplishment duly with a pleasant water break by the shoulder. Last night, I suppose, could be considered a pre-celebration before the fact. We simply and utterly gorged ourselves on junk food at Burney Falls State Park's snack bar. It was microwave pizzas and burritos, nachos, beer, ice cream and ice cream again.
The heat is weighing on us this afternoon. We have climbed up to and walk now along the Hat Creek Rim, a baking, arid, exposed cliffside which runs the length of the vast lava bed floor of the the Hat Creek canyon. The views are spectacular -- Lassen to the south, Shasta still holding its position to the north, the valley so still -- it is clear, motionless, silent, like a painting.
Eliza is tuckered out and we are breaking under a stand of Junipers and Digger Pines. We are both extremely filthy looking and grimy with salt stained clothing and caked, blackened calves.
Camped out on the rim, beat from the day in the sun. Looking forward to hitting Old Station tomorrow . . .
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