Just have to say that the trail signs in Section Q — the Marble Mountains — in the far north of California were the best (that is, most Zen) that I have seen along the length of California. They deserve remembering in their own right, so here goes:
Next day I after about 5 or so miles I came to what turned out to be a superb water source, the sort of place I should have camped near, but oh well. Lovely place for a second breakfast.
It’s a gorgeous area, which the signs hint in their own quiet way. If you look very closely you can see a grasshopper crouched in a nick in the sign above tghe “I.”
This isn’t exactly a sign but it’s emblematic as hell of the area.
Wasn’t all beautiful: substantial burns to walk through at times, and the sky was smoky, from fires burning to the north and west.
This sign, at the base of the gorgeous trail along Grider Creek; well, if you look closely you will see it has some occult aspects. On the top post is written “State of Jefferson” with its rebel XX symbol, but below the post is written State of Mind. Pretty cool.
Entering the tiny town of Seiad Valley, one sees these “No Monument” signs everywhere…though this one simplified the question impressively.
Even the official signs in this area (Section R now) are most interesting than most.
I love the way signs in this section live past their legibility.
Or are taken into the landscape via trees:
But this was my all-time fave:
Kit Stolz 