Start:  0700 - Thielsen Creek
End: 2030 - Oldenberg Lake
Miles (today): 27.5 (22 PCT, 4.5 alternate, 1 off)
Miles (cumulative): 1921.5 (1742.5 PCT, 110 alternate, 69 off)

Today was rather uneventful, which I'm glad about because I'm exhausted and want to get to sleep ASAP (i.e. I don't have to spend a lot of time writing).

My trail toughness is taking its sweet time to return, which should give you some indication about my day.  Thankfully the terrain is forgiving and easy because I don't know what I would do otherwise.  I stopped A LOT to stretch and massage various parts of my body, which helped a little... But stopping so much made for a really long day.

The worst part was when we had to go off-trail for water (It was either that or carry enough water for 26 miles).  Since the trail to water was steep, I thought I'd be smart by leaving my pack at the trail junction and just taking my water bottles down with me.  It seemed like a good idea, but since my hands were full with water bottles I had to go down without my hiking poles, which wasn't pleasant.  Coming up wasn't much better, either, and I somehow managed to strain my back.  I know, I'm a mess!! :)  Needless to say, the last 10 miles of the day were a lot tougher than they would have been otherwise.  However, I still made it to the planned campsite which counts for something, right?

When I got to the planned campsite I was shocked that Nick wasn't there.  Since he had passed me only 20 minutes earlier, I was confused.  Did I have the wrong spot?  Where was he?  It was dark and I couldn't really see, and it's not like I could just call or text him to find out where he was, so I ended up yelling for him.  I felt bad yelling - it was so quiet and peaceful- but I didn't think aimlessly walking around in dark looking for him was the smartest thing.

After yelling "Nick!" a few times, he responded - he took a different trail to the lake. Apparently he left me a bandanna arrow but I missed it in the fading light.  It's all good, it turns out the better camping was where I was, anyway.  

The best part of the day happened just a few minutes ago, when I got onto my sleeping bag. The second best part will happen shortly, when I stop typing and close my eyes.  Tomorrow will be a fresh start -  hopefully I'll regain some trail toughness then.

Along the trail: