July 7 - Back on the Trail

July 7 - Back on the Trail

Betsy dropped me off at the trail around 9:00. We said our goodbyes and set out on our separate journeys. It will be at least two months before we see each other again; the longest we've ever been separated. I also said goodbye to our kitten, Sissy. I may not see her again at all. She's seventeen and may not survive the trip to Canada and back. She's a good traveler, but the vet thinks she should have succumbed to cancer years ago. I'll miss my girls. 

Landmarks define the trail. Pilot Rock was the first, discernible in the distance. Around the corner Mt. Shasta came into view to the south. My path took me south and east to Pilot Rock, then north and west for a view of Ashland across the valley. 

Along the way I met Monica and mom Yvette with dog, Birdy. They were taking a break just as I crested a ridge. It's Monica's first long hike and mom and Birdy were along for support over the first few miles. 

I also met Trip and JD who were headed south to make up trail miles as they wait for the Sierra to melt. They let me know that the spring I was standing at was the last water for 13 miles heading north. I'm glad they were there because even with having filled up I got to my campsite by the first water on empty. 

It was a long and hard day after not carrying a pack for a while. I've definitively lost my trail legs. The twenty miles I covered took until almost dark. It was very hot, and while I drank lots, cramps set in after about fifteen miles. I lumped into camp and drank another round of electrolytes hoping that I'll sleep through the night. Tomorrow is another day and I'm hoping for an early start. 

Ready to hit the trail. Twenty five pounds heavier than the last time I was in Ashland. That won't last long. 

Sissy ready to roll. 

Monica and mom. 

Mordant Skippers, an endangered species. No camping in meadows where they live. 

Flowers, of course. 

Hikingsolo (aka Allen)