Hiking today was wonderful. Not only was the terrain full of inclines and declines (which is so much better than monotonous flat flat flat all the time), but there were trees all around us. It was so lovely. Even better, the views were stunning. (Pics don’t do it justice but I tried, anyway). I didn’t listen to anything other than the wind blowing through the trees all day.
I stood here for a while, watching two birds (hawks?) lazily soaring in the distance. So calming
I love how this tree is shaped
As we were getting ready to pack up the tent, Clean Sweep and Mona Lisa walked up. Fun fact: Clean Sweep grew up in Rockford, Illinois (about an hour from our hometown). They told us about a wind advisory for today - gusts of up to 70 mph. They said they planned to hitch into town for the night. Nick and I thanked them for the info and said we’d see how the day shaped up.
Sadly, we haven’t seen Sith and her friend yet. I hope they are ok.
How’s my back? Well, I was able to stand up this morning, but just barely. And when I picked up my pack and slung it on, my back yelled out, “What the f are you doing? Are you crazy?!” But I ignored her - what other option did I have? - and after about 10 minutes she quieted down to a whimper. Honestly, I was just elated to be able to walk at all. My feet felt great for the first 8 miles, too, so everything about the morning was fantastic. Particularly since we hit our first milestone - 100 miles.
100 miles, yay!
maybe the person who made this missed the first one? Or maybe they were just excited about 100 miles
After the first 8 miles, though, my feet started to protest a little and I started to think about stopping for a little break. Miraculously, just then I stumbled upon some trail magic!!
CDT Thru Hikers- Trail Magic soda and emergency water. See white van to your right
I didn’t need the water or soda but there were chairs to sit in!! The trail magic was courtesy of Solo, who told us she’s been doing this for several years. Last year she did it Coppertone style and followed hikers as they went north and then followed the SOBOs back south.
PCT blog first meeting with Coppertone is here!
The chair was the best!
Trail Angel Solo
After a while Clean Sweep and Mona Lisa joined us for the magic - I believe they planned to get a hitch from there. As Nick and I left, Solo wished us a “Safe Passage and Grand Adventure”. Love it. :)
Nick and I walked on to the next water source because the wind didn’t seem bad at all. After the break my feet and back weren’t so easy to ignore - I think they were both hoping I had been done for the day. Just as I thought I couldn’t possibly endure any more, I made it to the water source. Phew.
Looking pretty good (relatively speaking, of course)
This is a delightful spot with trees and soft sand - if I close my eyes I can almost pretend I’m back on Maui. And even though it’s only been 12.5 miles, we’re staying here. The wind is starting to pick up (it’s shocking to see the dust clouds blow in and swallow the mountains in the distance) and we’re decently protected here. Plus, Nick’s Achilles is starting to bother him. Plus, I don’t think forcing my back to do a heavy water carry so we can dry camp somewhere is a good idea. Plus the blister we popped on my heel last night is back. :/
Even though I know staying is the right call and even though I’m hurting, I can’t help but feel like we need to keep going. This is why I have Nick- to be the voice of reason.
One good thing about taking it slow (other than making it easier on our bodies) is that I have time to notice the little things in nature. I feel like a little kid again, watching birds and little insects just going about their lives. It’s refreshing and fascinating to be still and observe nature as she carries on all around you.
Along the trail:
Camp:
