Icarus

What goes up, must come down. Pushing it so hard yesterday, I think I flew a bit to close to the sun; consequentially today was brutal.

Ironically the very beginning of the hike was quite pleasant. But it would not be for long that I could not find my energy the rest of the day. On top of that I got a nagging strain in my right hamstring. I only feel it when walking uphill, and of course today 80 percent of the trail was ascending. Because I knew we had a big day ahead, I was super-focused to not push myself to much, to see if I could contain the strain. This worked fairly well in the morning, but it resulted in me pacing forward like a slug in the desert. At first I thought I had just some morning engine-start trouble, but I would not find my groove all day. The hours crept by and I was worried. I tried every type of pick-me-up-music, but none of it helped. It was a pretty shitty morning. And very hot.

Because of lacking energy, I ate the most I have been eating on trail so far. I think I ate 4 bars, a serving of mashed potatoes, 2 tortillas with tuna, 2 tortillas with peanut-butter with another bar wrapped into it, and some chips. Still I felt lethargic the whole day. I took so many breaks I lost count, and felt I was just not making any progress.

Halfway up today’s section, I did mention to get a nice selfie in with (left to right) Walt Whitman, John Muir and Henry David Thoreau. Their pictures, along with some of their quotes about travel and nature were placed near a hiker-hangout spot.

After a grueling 20 somewhat miles I finally arrived at Paradise Valley Cafe. The Hamburger had been less on my mind today, dealing with my general fatigue and misery. Of course I ordered it anyway. And as promised, yes, it was great. Chocolate milkshake plus Apple pie with ice cream dessert were devoured within seconds.

There are currently some forest-fires going on some 60 miles from here, giving the air a hazy appearance. Because of the forest-fires a part of the PCT has been closed so we need to take an alternative route to the next town, Idyllwild, some 30 miles away. Tomorrow and the day after I really need to pace myself, so I will cut down the mileage. It’s 0800 and I am hitting the sleeping bag early. Time to recover. Zzz…..

I know what you’re thinkin’
We were goin’ down
I can feel the sinkin’
But then I came around

And everyone I loved before
Flashed before my eyes
And nothin’ mattered anymore
I looked into the sky

Well I wanted something better man
I wished for something new
And I wanted something beautiful
I wished for something true
Been looking for a reason man
Something to lose

When the wheels come down (when the wheels come down)
When the wheels touch ground (when the wheels touch ground)
And you feel like it’s all over
There’s another round for you
When the wheels come down (when the wheels come down)

Wheels – Foo Fighters