Start: 0715 - Doble Spring
End: 1830 - Hurkey Creek
Miles (today): 24
Miles (cumulative): 310.5 (236 PCT, 69.5 alternate, 5 off)

The morning started out with a mystery: who (or what) took Forest's food?  Forest cowboy camped last night - his food bag was next to his head when he went to sleep but gone when he woke up. He said he had 6 days worth of food in there!  At first he thought someone was just messing with him; alas, a prank seemed unlikely when nobody burst out laughing.  We helped him look around but didn't see any sign of his food or food bag.  6 days of food is heavy - probably around 12 lbs - so I don't know why any hiker would want to take it (unless they didn't have any food of their own, but that seems unlikely, too.) Did an animal take his food? What animal is big enough and quiet enough to get away with thieving 12 lbs of food?  A small animal would have to drag the food bag and that would make noise.  Was it a bear?  What the heck happened?!? This sort of thing is exactly why I'm hesitant to wear earplugs at night - I want to be somewhat aware of what's happening.  (Then again, it IS really nice to not hear Nick snore, to not hear the crinkling of our air mattresses, and to not hear the tent flapping in the wind...)

At least Forest was only a few miles from the highway so he could easily get back to town for more food. It sucks, though. :(

I thought lot about the house issue this morning and came up with an outside-the-box idea.  When I pitched it to Nick he thought it just might work.  We discussed a few modifications and then called our realitor.  It took a little back and forth (thankfully we were on a mountain near Big Bear City so we had cell service) but I think we just might have been able to save the deal.  Everyone is happy - Nick doesn't feel like he is compromising his principles and the buyer is still getting the house (just not other things).

The rest of the day, though long, was pleasant - the weather was perfect and the elevation change was minimal.  We hiked with Smiles and Sara for a while which was a nice change of pace. 

When we finally made it to the river and campsite I was happy to see Silty.  Sadly, Silty is once again thinking about ending her thru hike.  We talked about it - I reminded her that this isn't forever and said that finishing the trail will be that much sweeter because it's so challenging now. I hope she sticks it out! 

Tonight's dilemma- earplugs or no earplugs? I really want to fall asleep to the sound of the creek but Nick is already asleep and snoring.  If I want to sleep I should put in earplugs... But then what if someone (or something) decides to take my food?  LOL