Start: 0745  - Green Pond
End:  1900 - Forest road 23 (to Trout Lake)
Miles (today): 28
Miles (cumulative): 2262 (2040 PCT, 149 alternate, 73 off)

Nick woke me up last night because he thought he heard another mountain lion in the distance - what I heard sounded like a cross between a coyote and a woman screaming, but it was far away and definitely not as terrifying as the sound the other night.  That being said, I did hesitate a little before heading out of the tent in the middle of the night to pee (the batteries in my headlamp need to be charged so I was heading out there without light).

It was another glorious day to be hiking - the weather was absolutely perfect.  I left a little earlier than Nick because he was still eating breakfast and I was ready to go (and getting cold just sitting there).  

I passed a few section hikers and a woman who flip flopped ... And then it was 1645 and I was at the planned campsite.  Thinking it would be the same story as yesterday, I stretched, changed out of my hiking clothes, and prepared to wait for Nick.

I didn't wait long - just as I was hanging my hiking shirt on a tree to air out, Nick made his way over to me.  It was just after 1700 - if we booked it we could make it to the road before 1900 and maybe, just maybe, we could get a hitch to Trout Lake where there was a good possibility of sleeping in a legit bed. 

Nick continued hiking while I changed back into my hiking clothes, shoved everything back in my pack, and practically ran down the trail after him - the thought of sleeping in a legit bed was all the motivation I needed (thankfully,  I had taken the time to massage my feet while waiting for Nick so they didn't bother me too much).  

I caught up to and passed Nick on the 3 miles of uphill - I was hiking my little heart out.  I tried as hard as I could to stay ahead of him for the 2 miles of downhill but dammit if he didn't pass me with less than a mile to go. (Seriously, how DOES he go so fast downhill?!?!)

I popped out at the road just in time to see a van slow down for Nick and then drive on.  Nick said he waved them on because I wasn't there.  Ugh. I was RIGHT BEHIND HIM!  Oh well.  We decided to wait until 1930 and then, if we didn't get a ride, we'd set up camp and try again in the morning.  

My hope of sleeping in a legit bed fell with every passing minute.

At 1930, cold from sitting and sad I wasn't going to sleep in a legit bed, we started to put on our packs to hike to a campsite.

And then, suddenly, we heard a car.  

I stuck out my thumb and crossed my fingers that this was our ride....

And it was!  They (Aaron and Juan) stopped!!   

Aaron and Juan had been picking mushrooms and huckleberries and were going to Trout Lake to sell their bounty.  It was so warm and cozy in their truck.  I was so so so happy!!!

We got to Trout Lake just before 2000, which is when the grocery store and cafe closed.  I ran into the cafe and ordered us some burgers (I almost didn't order because it was so close to closing time but the waitress and staff there were really nice) while Nick went to the grocery store to get our package and find somewhere to sleep.  

We got the last room attached to the grocery store for $25.  We have to share a bathroom but that's fine by me - I get to sleep on a legit bed!  Washing my hair in the bathtub (no shower) was a little complicated but whatever - I'm about to sleep on a bed with pillows!!!!

Along the trail:

I was too busy hiking to take many pictures today (besides, it was all green tunnel anyway) but I did get one - 2200 miles!!