I will always associate the Sacremento River with Paradise On Earth. Never has water made me feel so good. After our grueling hot descent to Castella, we splash in it for an hour.

During the afternoon we hang out Interstate-side at Ameratti’s Market in Castella, pigging out. I break down and buy a paperback. Park Rangers sniff us out and “invite” us to stay at the official PCT campsite. For our $6 we get a couple of rides, warm showers, and entertaining items left in the bear box by other hikers.