It is quite amazing how two days can be so vastly different. Last night when I finally got into camp I was shattered. As soon as I’d pitched my tent, I forked down some couscous with spicy tuna and potato chips (for some added crunch) and got into my tent. I had a lousy night of sleep. My airbed kept deflating. Half asleep I must have tried to inflate it over 5 times, but the outcome was the same for every attempt; not long after I’d find myself awake again, distinguishing the different rocks underneath my tent. In hindsight I should have figured out instantly that it had a leak.. On top of that it was a very cold night. When we got up the campsite was shrouded in fog. Yesterday I felt that I had overexerted my hamstrings, so I was worried to get started today.
Today however was a very calm and enjoyable day. Natalie and I were the last 2 headed out of camp around 0745. The amazing views we encountered yesterday, initially were nowhere to be found. In full rain gear against the damp air and cold winds we winded up and down green rolling hills. I was very aware that I didn’t want to overextend myself today, as yesterday my legs hurt. Mindful of my steps I settled into a slow but steady pace for the most of the morning. The fog lifted and we found ourselves once again on the ridge, revealing the vast sands and mountain ranges of the desert. We were able to so far into the distance; it was incredible, never seen anything like it.
Around lunch time we stopped at a parking lot where according to the water-report we would find a water cache. The PCT-water report is an up-to-date website publishing where and on what date water can be expected along the trail. Caches however are never reliable, because they can be emptied by hikers that preceded you. Fortunately for us there was plenty of water left, which meant we didn’t have to ration water today. Natalie and I hung out our tents to dry which were still damp from the night and then It was time for a well deserved break. Feet up in the air against the fence and with my earphones plugged in, I found myself in a state of immense relaxation as I watched the overhead clouds continuously change shape.
The final stretch of the day traveled over similar terrain, rolling green hills, up and down, with the desert plateau stretching out in the East. Around 1700 I decided to call it a day and found a nice place to pitch my tent in the valley. We are camped near mile 63.7.
There are a bunch of other hikers camped out here scattered over the flat spots. After a quick dinner of cold-soaked ramen and a vegan protein-shake I am now happy and cozy in my tent at 0740. Because I am going stove-less I pretty much have to cold-soak the majority of my meals. Think, ramen, oats, couscous, shakes… So far it has not been a problem. I have managed to patch up the hole in my airbed, and it seems to hold up, so I am hoping for a good nights sleep to prepare for tomorrows miles.
Gotta keep on going, looking straight out on the road
Can’t worry about what’s behind you, whats coming for you
further up the road
Try not to hold on to what is gone,
I try to do right what is wrong
I try to keep on keeping on
I just keep on keeping on
I hear a voice calling
Calling out for me
These shackles I made in an attempt to be free
Be it for reason, be it for love
I. Wont. Take.
The. Easy. Road.
Show me my silver lining.
My Silver Lining – First Aid Kit
