Swim!

We hike the seven miles on paved road into Junction City, a tiny hamlet. We eat our lunches in front of the forest fire crew station and chat with the crew. The lead had vaguely heard of the Bigfoot Trail and mentioned that there was going to be some presentation or talk to learn more about it. He hopped onto the internet and explored the Bigfoot Trail Alliance website, so we have done a little work as trail ambassadors.

The fire crew lead mentioned that there are several great swimming holes along the Canyon Creek road that we will hike. Michael's guide says the area is private property with no trespassing signs, but we made mental notes to find the swimming holes.

The road was hot, paved and uphill. Once we found the first swimming hole, we ambled off the road and headed to the river on a well-used local trail. The concerns about private property seemed misplaced - they refer to gold prospecting claims, and indeed there are flecks of gold in the sandy creek bottom. The road has a nice pull out so I sent a text to Fran to meet us there.

Swimming and relaxing in the river was far more enjoyable than hiking the hot road. We spent the afternoon, and then I had a great idea!  On the second day of our hike, we had logged five bonus miles due to missing a junction and having to backtrack. I proposed that we redeem those five miles now, and skip up to the Ripstein Campground at the end of the pavement!  WILDCAT loves the logic of it. So after a nice swim, we ride up the hot road in the RV to the forested campground for a nice dinner of chili and cornbread with fresh berry pie and ice cream for dessert!

This was our last chance for slack-packing. The next section is road-less again, so we go back to hauling our backpacks.

20 miles to Ripstein Campground, to mile 112