Start: 0745  - Trout Creek
End:  1700 - Green Pond
Miles (today): 24
Miles (cumulative): 2234 (2012 PCT, 149 alternate, 73 off)

Well, last night sure was interesting!

Even though I was exhausted, I couldn't fall asleep.  For one thing, waves and waves of discomfort/pain relentlessly flowed from my hips to my feet - I like to think my body is just trying to repair itself, but who knows what's going on.  For another, I couldn't sleep with my feet elevated because, for some crazy reason, my lower back is chafed from my pack (how this is happening now after so many miles baffles me, but whatever.)  I think the only reason I got any sleep at all was because of Nick - he woke up to me sobbing, gave me some Advil, reminded me to focus on my breathing, and held my hand.  I love him.

It seems I had just fallen asleep when I woke up to some crazy sound in the forest.   I was wearing earplugs and yet this sound was so loud it woke me up, although I was groggy and barely cognizant.  Nick said, "mountain lion", I mumbled something like "mmm.. Huh", and fell back into a fitful slumber.  

When we both woke up this morning (later than usual because the sun doesn't show its loveliness as early as it used to) Nick asked if I heard the mountain lion last night.  Well, something woke me up; however, I confessed that I don't really remember anything more specific than a loud noise.  Nick shook his head and said the sound was terrifying and very, very close.  I wish I could remember what it sounded like!!!

Despite the lack of quality sleep, I had a great day of hiking.  In the morning I saw a herd of elk (so cool!), the weather was perfect, and I didn't see a soul until 1630, when I met some day hikers on the trail.  My feet are much, much better (I am so grateful Linda took me to REI for new shoes!) and even though I had a late start I still managed to get in 24 miles before 1700, which is much better time than I had been making in the old Altras.

Unfortunately, Nick and I don't seem to ever have good days together.  We planned to meet after 24 miles (at a pond) and then assess how much further we could go.  When I got to the pond I purified 3 liters of water with the Sawyer mini (which took a while), I massaged my feet and legs, I changed into my new pants (once again grateful for Linda taking us to REI because my new pants are awesome), I started writing today's blog post, I chatted with southbounder Solo...

And finally Nick showed up. :) He said he had a slow start to the morning because he didn't get his caffeine fix (he ran out of instant coffee - apparently that was in the missing box, too).  I had been hoping to get in at least 5 more miles but that's ok.  There is a small campsite near the pond and Nick actually managed to get the tent to fit - so here we are.  :)

Along the trail: