This year, another Mike had opened another place 13 miles from the first one. This one is called DeBenedetti’s and it’s a perfect hiking distance for new trail legs. Before I headed out though, I made the most of the place I stayed last night. Even before I got out of my sleeping bag on the porch, the host was offering me coffee, I never would expect breakfast in bed on a long distance hiking trip!

Mike’s Place is a veritable junkyard of old PCT memorabilia, dating back years and years. Hikers are encouraged to tag the outside of the house, I added my piece and then checked out the rest of the area.

There were old motorcycles, cars, a shed full of interesting things, and a skeleton welcoming hikers with a beer. While I was walking around, the sun came out, solar panels kicked in and Pink Floyd started playing on the stereo. I decided not to have breakfast on the trail, and have it here instead.

I left here very late, around 10:30 am, other hikers who camped nearby were starting to show up and there was talk of pancakes. I had to be careful not to spend another day here. The trail down followed a long and steady descent, the clouds cleared and I got a great view with a blue sky on one side, thick cloud on the other.

On the way down there were so many lizards warming in the sun on the path, several times I had to be careful not to stand on them. Eventually I got to the bottom where the ground flattened out and the environment began to feel like a Wiley Coyote backdrop. The trail continued for a few more miles before reaching a junction to DeBenedetti’s.

Just 0.7 miles up the road I walked into a property where I saw the same group from last night, plus a few new faces. The group I had been with were now 5 miles ahead, but I expected to see them at the next town. As soon as I arrived at DeBenedetti’s, I was shown around a bit, pointed towards the tent sites up the hill, and offered a cold soda.

Once I’d set up my tent, the host brought out a huge pot of pasta and fed everyone here, about 10-15 of us. The willingness of people to help out, offering good food, and sharing good times is astonishing. I spent a few hours after dinner just hanging out and chatting with the hosts, as well as this new group of hikers, before heading to bed for another night.