Today we go back to the trail. At 11a on the dot we left the motel and walked the half mile or so there. We’ve resupplied for four days. Our packs are heavy again, but at least it all should fit in our Ursack (bear bag). We shouldn’t need to hang another bag like we have after our last couple of resupplies.
Our plan is to hike only 8.6 miles and set up camp early. We’ve had so many late nights into camp that Warthog is excited to spend time around a campfire, rather than the normal rush to eat and go to bed.
On our way, we walked just inside the tree line near a highway. As I listened to all of the vehicles rushing by, I wondered how many of the drivers are aware of the thousands of people who travel near them. We are so close to one another, but are separated by concrete, steel, and glass. The space between us feels immense. I love how we cross paths with people on the trail. Always we make eye contact, often we stop to chat and meet one another. It’s an experience filled with connection.
We took a break at a shelter. On it was a note written in marker meant to inspire fellow hikers. There’s a lot of graffiti on the trail, but most of it is positive like this one.
The terrain was actually pretty easy today. I was tired and my pack was heavy, but all in all, the miles were nice. Tonight, we are nestled into a valley between two hills. The trees are tall and the forest floor is covered with the leaves from last year. We are right next to a stream. It’s a quiet and private spot with plenty of comfortable flat spots for all of us to put up our tents.
Warthog picked up a bottle of waterproofer to spray on our rainfly. The fly is usually good for the first night of rain, but will tend to leak when it’s saturated or where it rests on the poles. While we were in town, we also washed our rain jacket and pants with tech wash. It cleaned them and revived their water-resistant capabilities. If… or rather, when we get rain again, hopefully we’ll have equipment that is like new.
About two miles into our hike we hit our 1/3rd mark! It seems unreal that we are here right now. In some odd way, it feels like we have been hiking for an incredible amount of time and yet, simultaneously, have only just started. I wonder if I will feel the same at the halfway mark or even at the end. I have a sneaky suspicion that I will.
Well, Warthog got his campfire and I got to relax. It was a good night spent sitting, visiting, laughing, eating, etc. At one point, we tried to sneak a whooping cushion into bag that Atlas was using as a seat pad. We’ve been planning this for weeks and just two nights ago bought the cushion. I blew it by laughing as he sat down. I have never been good at pranks. Once he realized it was in there he tried to sit on it again and blew a hole in the cushion. So much for good craftsmanship. Regardless, it was funny. We all got a good laugh out of it.
We ate well tonight. I’m glad, because I didn’t eat much today. I hope it fuels me sufficiently for tomorrow. The weather is supposed to be fine for the next several days. Tonight it’s beautiful so I have high hopes for comfortable sleep. Speaking of… I’m off! It’s 10p and I’m so very ready to crash.
-ansel