Like most Norwegians I too have relatives in the US, and some of them live not too far from the PCT. My third cousin Caden lives with his family in Rocklin, just outside Sacramento, and once hearing about my hike they immediately invited me to visit and offered to help my out on my hike. When I arrived at Donner Pass on Saturday June 30th Caden picked me up and took me down to Rocklin to meet the family. I got to meet Caden’s wife Corin, their son Konnor, Corin’s mother, as well as Caden’s uncle Neil.
Being back in civilization I also took the opportunity to go to the local REI store. I replaced my defect Petzl Tikka Plus 2 headlamp (it doesn’t work with lithium batteries) with a Black Diamond Spot, as well as swapping my Mountain Hardwear Phantom sleeping bag which was coming apart in the seams. REI was all cool about it and replaced the items without any hassle. I also bought myself a new and bigger pot, a 0,85 liter MSR Titanium. My 0,6 liter Snow Peak was simply too small and inefficient for cooking.
I had the best of times in Rocklin. It was great meeting the family I and was almost sorry to have to go back to the trail. But Canada is calling my name 🙂 Back on the trail again Monday July 2nd.