Wednesday Day 77

6.20.2018

PCT Mile 1146-1157 Karen Mile 958

So we went to sleep last night with clear skies and no wind. I woke hours later to crazy wind down in the valley below us but to our liking the trees that we setup against provided plenty of protection. The noise of the wind was just enough to keep me awake most of the night. It’s also be getting warmer at night, so that’s good but now I need to adjust my sleeping layers as I’m gonna start to overheat as I sleep. I’m always trying to find the balance.

This morning we were hiking by 8am again. We knew we had 11 miles to go to 6.5 miles to Highway 40, Donner Ski Ranch and 4.5 miles to Highway 80 which we would take into Truckee. Laura’s parents drove up from Nevada City and met us at the Ski Ranch. We knew the Ski Ranch opened up for lunch at 11am, so we knew our timing would be almost perfect to knock on their door as hungry hikers. We’d also heard that they give free beer to hikers-anyone ever heard of King Cobra? Yeah, me neither. I opted for a Deschutes. Oh hey! And guess what, the bartender made sure she checked our IDs. Awesome, still getting carded and I’m almost 40! Yay!

So there we sat for almost 2 hours. Chatting and eating. A Burger, salad, beer, caramel apple pie with a scoop of ice cream in my belly and we had 4.5 miles left to hike for the day. We laughed about having Debbie and Neil drop us off, only to hitchhike to the next pick up spot. But we were purists instead and grabbed our packs one more time for the next few miles. Debbie and Neil parked and came down about a mile and a half and walked back to their car with us at the Highway 80 trailhead parking.

We made a quick stop at Safeway for some resupply items and then headed off to Truckee. Andrew arranged a room as he is scheduled to play in a golf tournament here this weekend. Laura was already planning to spend a few days with him in Truckee. I love when a plan comes together.

After Laura and I were clean and ready for society again, Neil and Debbie found a place for dinner. I should mention, I received a message earlier this morning from my high school friend Christy. She told me they were on their way to Sacramento as her husband Frank was competing in the Western States Endurance Run this weekend. As I didn’t know their plans for sure, we kept in touch during the day and by dinner time they were able to meet up with us. We went to Alibi Ale Brewing. Scott and Linda (Christy’s parents) were along for the ride as well as they will help to crew Frank for his 100 mile run. That’s right, I said 100 mile RUN. Pretty amazing. He said this is his 6th year he’s qualified but the first time his name came up in the lottery. Go Frank!!!!

It was great to see Christy and her family. Again, I love it even more when an impromptu plan comes together!

After dinner, Debbie and Neil dropped us back off at the hotel. Andrew showed up around 9pm from the Bay Area. We caught up for few moments and eventually called it a night.

Tomorrow, Laura and Andrew will drop me off at the highway where I will continue northbound for another 8 days. I’m not sure how many miles I’ll be making a day, but I’m hoping to exit out at Belden still. I’ll be headed out solo for the first time in a long time so it should be a unique experience again. Laura will be back out again on Sunday–which will be her first time solo as well. We have been getting messaged from Justin. He made it to Belden a few days ago and happily picked up his dog Jesse yesterday when he made his drive home. He’ll bring Jesse back to the trail with him when he’s done with his work obligation at the end of the month.

For now, good night. I’m sure tomorrow will be chock full of stupid stuff I will have done now that I’m by myself.