Day 117: Crooked Spur Hut to Royal Hut (2324-2339)

Sunday, March 26

I tried sleeping with my headphones in last night and it worked pretty well. I wasn't listening to music or podcasts all night, but they worked a bit like earplugs.

Karolina and Noemie woke up before everyone and left just after everyone else woke up. It seemed pretty nice out today! There was a falcon or hawk outside the hut and it seemed to call to another one before flying off.

Like usual, Lauren, Sam and I ate breakfast, packed up and hit the trail a little after 8. We had to climb over a Saddle, but once that was through, the most difficult part of our day was complete. We jammed to Rolling Stones for a bit but my phone was dying fast so we couldn't play it too long. I have a feeling it was the cooler temperatures that were zapping the battery.

There were a few patches of scree on the trail, but it was mostly through tussock. Thankfully the trail was a lot easier to follow than yesterday. That said, my feet were getting skinned a bit because little bits of debris were getting between my feet and the Chaco straps. I'd just tape my feet up tonight.

Around midday we made it to Stone Hut. Karolina and Noemie were there, so we talked for a bit and ate lunch. From there it was a really easy walk along Bush Stream to Royal Hut. We made it there a little after three to once again find Noemie and Karolina!

There was some firewood in the hut and Noemie was an amazing lumberjack. She cut it all just right to make a great fire setup, but we decided to wait a little longer to light it. Jeremy, Jenny and David would be coming and it would get colder when the sun started to go down.

The five of us had fun drinking coffee, talking and eating snacks. Noemie is Swiss and hiked the PCT before this. She's planning to hike the CDT shortly after she finishes the TA. Karolina is Swedish and drives forklifts. It was fun to talk with them.

As we were all chatting, Noemie told us a story from her time on the PCT. She saved a delirious hiker and got the nickname Red Cross (it also makes sense because she's Swiss. What a good nickname!)

While we were all outside talking, Jeremy, David and Jenny arrived. We started to fire to dry everyone's wet clothes, and everyone started to make dinner and get their bunks set up. We chatted outside a little more, and I went in to read trail notes and go to sleep. It was a really fun day and I think Sam, Lauren and I all really enjoyed hiking with this group of people.