Start: 1900 - Motel 6 in Mohave
End: 0100 - PCT mile 570.5
Miles (today): 12
Miles (cumulative): 587.5 (486.5 PCT, 89.5 alternate, 11.5 off)
Despite going to bed late, I still woke up bright and early at 0500. And then again at 0600. And again at 0700. By 0900 I realized that my plan to go to bed late and sleep in had backfired (I knew it would but I had to give it a try anyway. Whatever happened to the days where I could sleep until noon without a problem?)
Most of the day was spent packing, organizing, and trying to get a handle on this Chimney Creek fire that suddenly threw a little wrench into our plans. The good news is that we are relatively flexible and we are pretty comfortable with just winging it.
After our late checkout at 1400, we stashed our backpacks in the hotel lobby, got a bite to eat with Ash Hole, and then tried to get some extra rest under a tree in the motel courtyard.
Ash Hole and Man Hands resting in the courtyard
Jeff came by around 1830 and took us to the trail (Nick, Ash, and me). We chatted with Coppertone a bit (he said he leaves on Saturday to go to Walker Pass), said goodbye to Jeff (for now), and started our hike.
Nick, Jeff, and me just before starting our night hike
I LOVE hiking at night! I've always loved warm summer nights and the weather tonight was perfect. Night hiking was a whole new experience. Sure, you don't get to see the views you'd see during the day; however, it is incredibly peaceful to walk in the dark and the time seems to go a lot faster for some reason. Plus, I got to see the stars- they are incredible out here! I kept stopping to look up and marvel at the sky. I'm excited to get to Walker Pass - Jeff is going to meet us there on Monday night and he's bringing his telescope. :)
what it looked like while hiking the trail at night
Nick and I attempted to stay together for the night hike but we ended up separating once we got the hang of it. We were together for the rattlesnake sighting, though, which was good. Nick heard it and saw it - I, as usual, was completely oblivious.
By 0030 I stumbled upon a great spot to camp and waited for Nick to see how he was feeling. I wanted to keep going - I felt amazing and full of energy- but at the same time knew it would be wise to get some sleep. Nick agreed that we should probably stop. I'm excited to be cowboy camping, especially since this little campsite is so well protected from the crazy wind!
the sweet camping spot I found - pics taken the next morning
windmills