Mile 580-602
Well, I didn’t sleep well last night. Probably because I ate 3 pieces of candy before I went to bed. Or maybe it’s because my foam pad is slowly dying–but the new sleep pad will be delivered next week. Either way, I was up before 6. Fossil who had camped near me last night said he’d be awake by 530 and hiking by 630. He said he forgot to set his alarm but the early sunrise helped get him moving. We left mile 580 just before 7am.
I figured I wouldn’t see any of the Trail family today but I was wrong. Fossil and I made it to Golden Oaks Spring shortly after 8 am. Laura was packed and on her way just as I got there. Justin was just breaking down his tent. We both took water from the green mucky pond. I was told if frogs can live in there, the water must be drinkable. Probably the greenest water source I’ve taken from. My filter took on some algae today for sure cause it always comes out crystal clear and I haven’t gotten sick–or turned into a frog for that matter.
Fossil and I hiked most of the day together. He told me about meeting his wife years ago when he used to sail, adopting a child from Romania at the age of 42 and his wife having their own child when he was 45. Says he would have had 5 kids if they could have. Such a nice guy. He’s on the trail until the 17th, he’s hoping to make it to Lone Pine. After that he’s going to do a Pole, Peddle, Paddle race back home in Bend. Then he and his wife will travel to Cuba. He said he’s trying to keep busy this summer. I’d agree!
We were at mile 586 by 1030am where we took a quick snack break with Justin. I felt like my legs were feeling pretty good. We hit 590 by noon and had lunch at mile 593 around 2pm. After that, I felt like the whole day slowed down. The trail climbed a handful of times, but I think I was just slowing down with the warmer temps and steep incline. I had to make it 12 more miles like that or ration water and get to the water source tomorrow morning–BTW I carried 4 liters from 8am and drank almost all of that in 22 miles. I decided I’d make it to the water but knew I’d have nothing left in the tank to go further than that. By the time I made it to Robin Bird Spring, Justin was already cooking up his dinner and it was passed 6pm. I quickly found a spot and setup my tent. Justin hiked on and of course I wish I had too because there’s too many people here tonight. They all just went to sleep tho as it’s “hiker midnight” otherwise known as 9pm.
Justin was headed at least another 4 miles. I’m sure I’ll see him at some point tomorrow. Laura evidently is camped somewhere up Trail too, but I don’t know how far as her Garmin isn’t working too well anymore. Fossil is here though as well as the Canadians (I don’t know their trail names), Tang, SafetySuit, Dirt, Knoxville, Your”High”Ness, and MudToes. Mud Toes ironically enough I met in Warner Springs when Kelly and I stopped there to drop off my resupply box the day before I started on the trail. MudToes started on the 15th of March.
I’m pretty tired tonight. I’m hoping I get some better rest than last night. Another 22 mile day in the books for this kid. And I passed the 600 mile mark just shy of the end of week 6. I’m pretty stoked about that. Tomorrow should be interesting as there is a rally race being held in the area. It will cross the PCT in about 4 different places. There will be guarded crossings so we don’t get run over. Supposedly the race will last until 8pm so we don’t know how camp sites will work within the next 20 miles. Always something new and interesting!!!!
KLubs on a Long Dusty Walk 