Remember on day 25 when I was worried about waking up covered in dust?  Even though I was lucky back then, I wasn’t so lucky this morning.  EVERYTHING, and I mean everything, was covered in a fine layer of dust when I woke up (even -sob- my beloved quilt.)

While it had been relatively calm when we went to bed, a crazy wind storm blew threw last night.  It only lasted a few hours but it kept me up most of the night (and covered us with dust).  It was awful.  I struggled to sleep with the wind blowing the tent around and with the dust constantly blowing on my face.  

The wind stopped just as the sun was rising.  I wanted to sleep in but also really wanted to get the dust off of my face and all my stuff, so I dragged myself out of the tent.  Soon it’s going to be rain instead of dust, though, and since a wet sleeping bag is worse than a dusty one I suppose I shouldn’t complain.

Since I was so tired, I was the last one to leave.  This was fine with me.  Luke (the cutest dog ever) had been escorting everyone off the property and was making his way back home when he passed me.  He enthusiastically ran up to me but I declined his offer of escort.  Instead, I told him to go on home and that I’d be fine.  He obliged.

While I usually don’t listen to music in the morning, today felt perfect for some Thomas Newman (he’s one of my favorite composers).  His relaxing and beautiful music was the perfect soundtrack to this morning’s road walk.

Despite the relaxing music, as the hours passed I started to feel a little anxious.  While I knew I could count on Rocks, not knowing when I’d see her filled me with nervous anticipation.  

The feeling didn’t last long.  Around 10:30 or so, I heard a vehicle approaching.  When it didn’t pass me, I turned around and saw Nick talking with the occupants.  It was Rocks and Donny, our personal trail angels, delivering water and good vibes.  

I cannot explain how elated I felt seeing Rocks and Donny - all my anxiety melted away and I couldn’t stop smiling.  They put me in a fantastic mood and I know I hiked faster because of it.  We didn’t need water just yet, so they drove about 5 miles ahead and left the four of us 3 gallons of water at a cattle guard.  (Of course they had water for Cody and Bodhi, too).

I wanted to talk with Rocks and Donny all day, but, since we had miles to get in and they had more trail angeling to do, I reluctantly let them drive on.  I’m so grateful for them!  Also, I totally knew Rocks was going to choose the light saber figure.  :)

Rocks and Donny placed the water cache in the perfect spot.  Not only was I nearly out of water when I got there, but it was close to a great place to relax and eat lunch.  (Apparently lots of people like that spot because there were alcohol bottles and other paraphernalia everywhere)

Once again, we had the honor of eating lunch with Cody and Bodhi.  The three gallons Rocks and Donny left was the perfect amount for all of us, and I thoroughly enjoyed the apple they left me - what a treat!

Not too long after lunch, another car stopped and offered us some cuties.  I’ll take anything fresh while on the trail, so I didn’t turn Anne and Will down.  They were so nice!  It turns out they hiked the CDT in 2017, and when Anne found out I was keeping a daily journal she told me she wishes she had done one.  It was a good reminder to stay motivated - there are definitely some nights when I’m so tired that writing about the day seems like a daunting task.  However, knowing that future Beth will appreciate it (and knowing that I have some faithful readers), keeps me from slacking.  

The road had turned to gravel just before we stopped for lunch, which was wonderful for the feet.  However, it got windier and windier as the day progressed, which meant getting sandblasted by the dust that would sometimes consume you.  At least our backs were mostly to the wind today!   

Towards the end of the day I really started to struggle - just fatigued muscles, that’s all.  I know I need to get better about stopping for breaks, but I was so close to the dam that I kept going.  While stopping for a quick break would probably be smart, then I’d have to muster up the will to move again; This is why I sometimes (ok, all the time) soldier on - I’d rather just get it all over with before I stop.

As my fatigue slowed me down, Nick somehow got faster.  He caught up to me just as I was about to cross the dam and, as I was completely absorbed in my music and in putting one foot in front of the other, he scared the bejesus out of me.

The lake is being drained so they can work on the dam.  I was happy that we didn’t have to wait to cross (there were signs saying the road would be closed until 6, but as it’s Friday I’m not surprised that they stopped work early).  I really enjoyed crossing the dam because it was the only time all day I was up high.

When we finally made it to the RV park road, I let out a sigh of resignation when I realized I had to walk 0.5 miles of intense downhill to get there.  It was definitely the worst part of my day, but I managed to keep myself together.  Part of me hoped we’d be able to get a cabin because of how windy it was, but with it being Friday I figured it would be an impossibility.  I was right. 

The four of us explored the tent camping sites, looking for a spot that would be the most protected from the wind (none of us wanted a repeat of last night).  None of them were great so we took the ones in the back.  While we were all preparing dinner, a nice couple (staying here in their RV) stopped by to ask us questions about what we are doing.  I always enjoy explaining the hike to others.

The lady who owns the campsites just told us that they have a raccoon problem - I wonder how much of a problem they are and if they are anything like the raccoons we encountered on the PCT.

PCT Blog Day 17- Raccons/May 12, 2016

Along the trail:

Camp: