The drive to the TH was uneventful. NF-1055 is in basically OK shape with the exception of a couple of aggressive water bars. Total drive time was 1:45.

It was a great day to be down in the Red Buttes. The temperature warmed up from the low 60s into the high 70s under a clear blue sky and we had a refreshing cooling breeze most of the day. Wild flowers were out in abundance. We had lunch in the horse corral above Lilly Pad Lake before starting our return back to the TH.

We met our first PCT thru hiker today. A young, apparently fit, Norwegian who said that he had started at the Mexican border and was headed to Canada. We asked about snow in the Sierras and he said no problem, just crampons and an ice axe. His pack appeared lighter than many of our day packs. We concluded that he is either very fit or that he may have skipped some of the higher elevation sections of the trail in the Sierras.

The educational segment of the day was focused on finger cots; what they are and the many varied and interesting ways that they can be used. This was, of course, new and valuable information for many of us.

We took refreshment at Boomtown.