Day 38: 478-493

​Woke up this morning, had coffee and hitched a shuttle to the trailhead. Hugged Teri Anderson (trail angel) goodbye and ascended a super steep climb.

Goodbye photo at CDL

Goodbye photo at CDL

I only planned to do 10 miles today but ended up doing 15. I am starting to get into a rhythm where I get up early and knock out 7-10 miles, take a super long break to air out my feet and stretch, and then finish up a few more in the afternoon. My knee, thankfully, has been cooperating. The water availability along the trail is forcing me to do longer days than my 10 mile/day plan. Otherwise I have to carry 10lbs of water which sucks.

Mid day break under the trees

Mid day break under the trees

Throughout the day I have been at pace with a few other hikers that are becoming familiar faces. One dude named Ten Gallon, for his large Indiana Jones hat, passed me a couple times during the day. He was on pace to bag 30 miles this day to try and catch some friends he lost.

Ten Gallon has the gnarliest blisters I've ever seen on a hikers feet. He's been crushing big miles.  

Ten Gallon has the gnarliest blisters I've ever seen on a hikers feet. He's been crushing big miles.  

I pulled into an abandoned campground called Upper Shake Camp, it was a little creepy. Coming off of the trail, it was a 1 mile/500 foot descend down into it. Having to do steep downhill after hiking all day just so I could get water was demoralizing. I got there and ran into a few folks I have seen along the trail, including Ten Gallon. The wind is totally howling through the trees. After dinner I was so tired I decided to cowboy camp.

I laid under the stars thinking about home, ELACC, family...everything. Tomorrow is going to be a brutal water carry. I may have to hike 15 miles again too.

Cowboy camping and watching the sun disappear  

Cowboy camping and watching the sun disappear