One of the hardest 13 mile days since this journey began! It wasn't the 2000 feet of elevation gain that was lost at the end of the day that made it hard. It wasn't the cold wind and threatening rain either. It wasn't even the 5:00 start time followed by a regional bus ride to drop us off at 8:00.
It was the fact that we took three days off without a strenuous hike that seemed to do us in. I ached all throughout my legs, feet, and ankles. At one point I thought that the synapses in my thighs were firing in the wrong order just to keep me in one place! It took us 7 hours to cover the 13 miles, a rate we were not proud of.
We drug into camp early because we just couldn't go further.
Three Advil and a dinner later I'm feeling better.
We think we saw a sign from Justin at our camp. We know he came through here a few days ago so we weren't surprised to see a very nice pine cone near the fire ring. Pine cones in the trail have become the way we notify each other that we've been there and know you'll be there too. Usually it's three in a row, but this place has only oak trees! Had to be Justin.
The spring was very slow but the trough was full and clear. The water in this area came with a warning that it was radioactive! I guess I'll glow in the dark instead of dying of thirst!
Tonight we are expecting a storm to move in. At sunset it appears it might miss us to the north. We can only hope!!!
(This sign turned out to be too true! See Dead Rat Water earlier in the blog!)
I'm so enjoying your posts and progress! Love technology! Hang in there, and I guess you won't take such long breaks often, or maybe start the day with that Advil!
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