We woke up early to try and beat the heat. The first few miles of the day flew by as we hiked downhill from a burned area to Hat Creek.

Our next water source was about 5 miles down trail at a picnic area. Much of the trail ahead was reported to be exposed. We tried to keep a fast pace to make miles before the temperature rose.

By the time we finished breaking in the picnic area, the heat had set in. Hiking through the volcanic rocks was so hot! We hiked up to Hat Creek Overlook and saw Mount Shasta! The mountain was difficult to view due to the haze from the nearby Lava Fire.

Just past the overlook we crossed a dirt parking lot and met Chris, who was giving out trail magic. After conversing for a bit, Chris generously offered to give us a ride to her home nearby. We took her up on the offer and were so glad we did! Chris and her family had a beautiful home near a creek full of rainbow trout! We pitched our tent by the creek!

Chris and her husband, Bob, have a blue heron named Hank Heron. He watches over the fish to make sure no other herons steal them for dinner!

Chris made us a delicious dinner of cheeseburgers and baked beans! We then watched the sun set by the creek.