We were extremely fortunate with the weather again today. This morning there was a storm in the distance, which I always love because of the lightning. As a bonus, there was also a rainbow. It even sprinkled on us from time to time, both while we were packing up and while we hiked. It was a great way to start the day.
We all left camp around the same time and so we all got to the first water source around the same time. On the way there, Soccer Mom, a hiker I haven’t yet met, passed me. We introduced ourselves and then he hiked on (he was very fast). When I got to the water source (a solar well), Soccer Mom was there, taking a break. We all ended up taming a break together - Cheetah, Captain, Mouse, Spice, Soccer Mom, Nick, and me. The best part of the break was when Soccer Mom gave me half the apple he was carrying because of my name - what an amazing gift! I thanked him profusely.
We ended up spending almost an hour by the water, which was nice but maybe a bit too long. The weather, however, was great - it was still mostly overcast and not too hot. Even though the next water was 16 miles away, I only took 2 liters because I wasn’t sweating at all (and because I didn’t want to carry that much.)
We hiked for another 8 miles and then ended up taking a break together with the group on the side of the road. Even though the sun came out, I still didn’t think it was that bad. However, the sun’s appearance did make me wonder if I’d have enough water to get me to the next source. I shouldn’t have worried - less then half a mile away from where we took our break, there was a water cache we hadn’t been aware of. I took a half liter just to be on the safe side.
We hiked for another 7 miles, which is when we came upon some trail magic, courtesy of Little Bit! We had JUST commented on how we haven’t had any in a long time and how we’d like to come back and surprise hikers with some trail magic on this stretch. Little Bit is the mom of a fellow hiker, Arrow, and she had all the good stuff - sparkling water, chairs, apples (I got to eat ANOTHER apple today!), donuts, homemade Chex mix… it was great.
After spending perhaps too long with Little Bit, we continued on. Cheetah et al decided to check out the reservoir and maybe go for a swim. This had been my plan, too, before we hit the trail magic. Alas, it was already after 4pm and we still had 9 miles to hike. I was conflicted - it would have been nice to swim- but ultimately decided to pass up the reservoir. Not only did I want to get to camp before dark, but the clouds had once again blocked the sun so it wasn’t as hot and swimming didn’t seem as necessary as it once did. So, while everyone else went to the reservoir, Nick and I went to the nearby electric well, grabbed a little more water, and pushed to the last water source and where we are currently camped.
The last 7 miles were mostly on a sandy road, which was great because it was soft (sometimes a little too soft, but I’m not complaining) and easy on the body. I don’t think I would have been able to do 31 miles today if it wasn’t for the overcast sky and the soft terrain.
It’s so beautiful here - I’m glad we pushed on. The sunset was gorgeous and we have the place all to ourselves.
Now I need to massage and stretch my overworked muscles. And sleep. :)
Along the way:
Camp:
