Mile 1,274.0 - 1,294.7

We knew that the trail drops several thousand feet into the town of Belden. It was 15 miles to town and we were excited for real food again. Belden is not really a town though. It is a one stop town. Everything you want and need is in the Belden Town Resort. Don't be fooled by the name. This place is as close to a ghost town as you'll find. 

We made it down the knee busting descent and the trail goes right through Belden. So we stopped in the Resort for lunch and a resupply. Some hikers said it would not be possible to resupply here but we did with no problem.

We kind of liked this place. Many call it creepy but for us we found it relaxing and we were able to do everything we needed to do. Many hikers came and went while we were there. 

By late afternoon we were ready to hike again. Only this time we have to climb miles to get out of the valley. We will do some today and some tomorrow. At least we have plenty of food.

Balance checking out the vista.

Y-Knot just before the several thousand foot descent into Belden.

This is Belden, all of it. I don't know the population but it can't be over 100. Still we enjoyed it here for much of the afternoon eating lunch and talking with hikers.

Thank you Clinton C. Clarke. I never knew who dreamed up the idea of the PCT, so I was excited to find this sign in Belden.

Balance leaving Belden en route to finding the trail across this road. Major climbing now. I think we must climb 6,000' in over 10 miles to get out of this valley. That's a lot of climbing.

We haven't seen these since hiking the AT in 2011. We are not sure the name but Balance calls them the Sweet Shrub.