Start: 0715 - PCT mile 1299
End: 1845 -  Soldier Creek
Miles (today): 26.5
Miles (cumulative): 1365.5 (1217.5 PCT, 91.5 alternate, 56.5 off)

Today was awesome!

First we passed this:

Then we passed this:

Then we passed this:

THEN we ended up 26.5 miles away from where we started, which means we hiked our first marathon (plus a little more) today!  I'm stoked about all of it.  I had so much fun.   I love being able to hike at my own pace and not worry about waiting for Nick or worry about him waiting for me.  I just did my own thing and it was great.  Knowing we were going to pass the midpoint AND hike a marathon had me excited all day.  :)

We're definitely transitioning from the Sierras to the Cascades, which is exciting, too.  

(OMG, we passed the halfway point and we've been out here for almost 3 months and we are still in California!)

I walked with Orbits for a few hours today, which was great.  She and her sister started together but recently decided to hike separately due to their radically different hiking styles, so we talked about the difficulties and the perks of hiking with a partner.  Don't worry, I don't want to separate from Nick;  However, we do hike differently which makes things a little more complicated for the both of us.  Compromise.  Compromise is good. :)

When I got to the official midpoint marker I chatted with Presente, Cap, and Spice while I waited for Nick.  After an hour I decided to hike on - my muscles were getting tight, I wanted to secure us a campsite, and I also figured he'd catch up since the last 5 miles were all downhill.

It was good that I hiked on - not only was I able to get the best site but Nick was quite a while behind me.  (Remember, uphills aren't his favorite, he's recovering from food poisoning, and he's carrying more weight than I am.) At camp I talked with Tinde and SPF while I waited for Nick - they are both so very nice!  They were a little concerned for me when it got dark and Nick still hadn't shown up, but I knew he'd make it.  And he did.  

Along the trail: