Start: 1100 - Etna (Alderbrook Manor to Etna Summit)
End: 2100 - PCT mile 1615.5
Miles (today): 18.5
Miles (cumulative): 1660.5 (1498.5 PCT, 94 alternate, 68 off)
Getting out of the comfortable bed at Alderbrook Manor was not easy - I could have slept all day. However, breakfast was at 0830 and I didn't want to be late. Breakfast was AMAZING. Vibeke and Dave truly outdid themselves - they served hashbrowns, a huge omelette, and a beautiful fresh fruit bowl that included freshly picked blackberries. We ate breakfast with the other two guests of the Bed and Breakfast; it felt a little strange to be amongst 'regular' people while the hikers were outside, but it was also nice. As much as I tried to steer the conversation away from what Nick and I are doing, all they wanted to talk about was hiking the PCT.
Before heading back to the trail I made sure to give Vibeke one of the clay figures - she and her husband Dave are so wonderful to hikers and she was just so nice!!! When I had her pick out a figure she teared up. I just wish there was more I could do to show my appreciation for what they are doing!
Vibeke chose the sheep
Lionheart (a former thru-hiker volunteering to help Vibeke and Dave during hiker season) drove us and 4 other hikers back to the trail. Once there, Nick and I had to cross the road and walk back to where we were picked up the other day to ensure a continuous footpath - the other hikers looked at us like we were crazy (which we are.). I gave Lionheart a figure, too, because she deserves some kudos for helping Vibeke and Dave.
Lionheart with her clay figure
The trail was extremely rocky, which definitely did not make hiking with my wonky ankle easy. The zero day seemed to have helped heal the ankle a little but I still don't trust it. I walked so slowly I could hardly stand it . Even with walking slowly and carefully, the rocky terrain caused my ankle to roll a few times, and once I even screamed out in pain because I was alone and vocalizing my pain and frustration made me feel better.
Something to remember while on the trail: even though you might feel alone, there is always someone on the trail and you never know how close they are. About 10 minutes after I screamed, I turned a corner and saw Nick just ahead. He should have been way ahead of me, so I was confused. Then I came upon Nuthin and Gator taking a break and stopped to chat with them for a bit. They told me that they and Nick had heard a scream and couldn't decide if it was a woman or a coyote. Oh geez. I confessed it was me and explained about my ankle. And that's why Nick had been just ahead - he was concerned that the scream was me and wanted to make sure I was ok.
Nick waited for me at a stream 10 miles in. I was so very tempted to stop hiking at that time but we discussed it and decided to go for 9 more. (I knew I would have been mad at myself later if we stopped after only 10 miles.) I thought about an inspirational email my friend/ex-coworker Ashley sent and it kept me going the rest of the day. Thank you, Ashley, for your kind words!
part of the message from Ashley - I love this quote!
one of three cowboys we saw getting ready to round up some cattle (we could hear the cowbells jangling but never did see the herd
Besides my ankle, the day was good. The weather was perfect for hiking - storm clouds were all around us, keeping us cool, and I listened to the lovely sound of thunder all afternoon. We only got sprinkled on and the sprinkles actually felt good on my skin. It was so nice not hiking in crazy heat for once! In the afternoon I even saw a few rainbows - they were faint but they still made me smile.
rain in the distance
Despite my best efforts, I didn't make it to camp until 2100 (so frustrating!). Nick had already set up the tent and re-hydrated dinner, though, so it was all good. Plus, my dinner was this amazing beef and lentil concoction Mary made - eating it helped make me feel better about my ankle and about being so slow. I have no idea how we are ever going to repay Mary for everything she is doing for us. Mary, those meals are so delicious!!!
Along the trail:
yep. 1600 miles. Still 1,050 left to go
these made me think of a Dr. Seuss character
