Hayfork

We leave the RV and hike up a remote forest road, enjoying the leisurely stroll and learning the conifers. Just five miles in, we turn a corner onto a better road and find Fran and the RV again. Instant rest break! Iced Tea!  WILDCAT says I'm ruining his reputation with the slack-packing but he seems very enthusiastic. I didn't slack-pack on any of my three Triple Crown hikes. In my mind those National Scenic Trails are different, and for me, it was important to connect all of the footsteps and hike with a full pack. But somehow slack-packing parts of the Bigfoot Trail seems okay.

Heading into Hayfork, we have a choice of a direct walk along Highway 3 into town or a longer remote walk on dirt forest roads. We opt for the latter, both for safety and enjoyment. Part way up a local person stops to query where we are hiking to and insists that we are going the wrong way to reach Hayfork. He is unaware that the dirt roads lead over the hills and drop into the town.

As hikers head into town, the talk invariably moves to food. Knowing there is a Mexican restaurant ahead, WILDCAT is fantasizing about a frozen Margarita. Unfortunately, we soon discover that the Mexican restaurant is closed.  No Margarita today!

12 miles to Highway 3, to mile 58.