Start: 0700 - PCT mile 424.5
End: 1630 - Acton KOA
Miles (today): 20 (19.5 PCT, 0.5 off)
Miles (cumulative): 459.5 (375.5 PCT, 76.5 alternate, 7.5 off)
Happy Birthday, Nick!
Most of the day was spent hiking in the fog, which was peaceful (although a little chilly). The only thing that messed up my rhythm was the silly poodle dog bush - avoiding it was mentally draining (it was everywhere).
seeing this on the trail in the fog was a little creepy
At lunch we stopped at a forest service station (North Fork) and Nick bought himself a little birthday treat (we are so opposite!)
For me, the best part of the day was the hike after lunch. I've been watching how other hikers go downhill (like Special K) and today I tried their run/shuffle thing. It was fabulous! The decent wasn't too steep and it almost felt like I was running (except, you know, I have this huge pack on my back and poles in my hands). For once, I actually beat Nick going down! (Although, to be fair, he DID break a hiking pole so I'm sure that messed him up).
We made it to the KOA in splendid time. As a treat, Coppertone was parked at the end of the trail. He wasn't there (he was resupplying) so we didn't get his signature root beer floats, but he left out all sorts of wonderful treats. Nick got some cookies and a chocolate muffin; I snagged myself an apple and a banana. It was glorious. Note: It's Coppertone's birthday, too!
At the KOA we took showers (so heavenly) and did laundry (my oxi-not-so-clean shirt is no longer white - I fear that no amount of washing will ever bring it back). I mentioned to a few familiar faces that it's Nick's birthday and he was given gifts of beer and chocolate. :)
Proton gave Nick the dark chocolate bar; Starburst/Ken (pictured below) gave him the beer
Starburst/Ken
The Coors wasn't enough for the birthday boy, though, so he got a ride into town and bought himself some IPA and a burger from Jack in the Box. Don't worry, he thought of me, too - he got me apples, celery, and spinach.
X'ing, Proton, Gazelle, Mountain Man, Beardly, Sweet Pea, Shane, and I all sat around a picnic table and sang Nick happy birthday. Soon after, Special K joined us and we all chatted a bit, which was nice. Later, someone plopped a watermelon in front of us and we all grabbed our long handled spoons and dug in. At the end of the night (about 2100, pretty late for a hiker) we watched Proton's fantastical story of how he got his name (X'ing recorded an earlier telling). It is such a crazy, sad tale - I admit, I'm so gullible that I actually believed it for a while.
While typing this in the tent I just smelled a horrible stench. Confused and concerned because we both showered, I turned my head to see Nick's bare feet inches from my face. Wow. Just.. Wow. I made him put on socks.
Along the trail:
not only do these flowers come in purple and blue they also come in white!
this sign at the campground made me laugh