Race Against the Clock

Twenty-seven miles and some change to make it into Etna today. I knew I had to get up earlier than the past couple of days, because I wanted to make it to the highway before sundown to increase my chances of getting a hitch. Apparently there was not a whole lot of car traffic along that road. The long miles from yesterday however had definitely taken its toll, because after my alarm rang at 0520 I could not keep myself from hitting the snooze-button several times. I finally headed out around 0700, which should leave me with enough time to get to the highway no later than 2000. Hopefully.The hills and forests are still shrouded in smoke, and based on what I’ve heard on trail, half of North-America is on fire. Having seen the thickness of the clouds change overnight however, I keep a positive mind that the winds will pick up and sweep the skies blue once more.
The first seven or so miles today were a drag. My legs were still sore from yesterday. Also I hadn’t had as much recovery as I wanted during the relatively short night. I struggled to find a comfortable pace. To refuel I took an early break and had a tortilla with cheese, which I usually save for later during the day.

There were several minor climbs and descents today, and up until 1400 I only saw one other No-Bo hiker. When I made it to the top of the largest climb of the day, I ran into Gord, Johnny and Alex, and we chatted a little while. They would spend the night on trail and hike into Etna tomorrow. I still had 14 miles left and knew that I could still make it, but would really have to push. I allowed myself a short rest, but insisted on pushing on at 1430.

That’s when the race against the clock began. Cruising down the hill, in my mind I cut the 14 mile stretch up into chunks, calculating how long each bit would take me, and how long I could allow myself to break in between, such that I would get to the highway by 2000. Fortunately there were plenty of water sources, leaving me with light water-carries of a little over 1 liter at a time. 3 descents, 2 climbs left. Let’s do this.
At the top of the top of the first climb I quickly ate some bars and started running down. Music on and booking it hard. I felt tired, but slowly and steadily I saw myself chipping away at the miles.
Finally it was time for the final grind up. My phone battery was now almost empty so I hoped I’d make it with music all the way to the top. I did. Once I made it there the views were pretty cool and I allowed myself a couple of minutes to catch my breath and enjoy my accomplishment. It was now 1900 and I had 3 miles downhill to go. I knew I would make my designated arrival-time, which felt great!

When I arrived at the highway I saw three other hikers waiting along the road. Ardvark, Cave-man and Switch-back had been waiting for a ride for over an half hour now. I didn’t like the sound of that. It was getting dark fast now, and nobody had service to call a possible ride from town. Apparently a car had pulled up before, with a man and woman heading up the trail. They might come back later… After another 45 minutes, with not a single car passing by, out the corner of my eye I saw the couple came back from the trail-head, moving towards their parked car, ready to drive away. We all quickly got up and approached them, asking if we could possibly tag along. The couple really went out of their way, tying up their baby-seats on the roof of their car to fit all four of us in. We were so happy to know we’d make it into town tonight!

In town we immediately sat down in the first restaurant within sight, and had a delicious and well-deserved dinner. I ran into Rocket there too, who apparently had never hitched ahead, but had just been hiking in front of me. She told me that Pops, Jukebox, Peach-man and Free-wheel were here too! How did they beat me here?! Apparently they hitched from Callahan to Etna and had arrived here earlier today. The distillery in which they’d been having drinks was closing down, so they all of us walked over to the park, where hikers are allowed to camp. I set up and collapsed in my tent, shattered from the long day. Happy to have made it though!

From the top to the bottom
Bottom to top I stop
At the core I’ve forgotten
In the middle of my thoughts
Taken far from my safety
The picture is there
The memory won’t escape me
But why should I care

There’s a place so dark you can’t see the end
(Skies cock back) and shock that which can’t defend
The rain then sends dripping acidic questions
Forcefully, the power of suggestion
Then with the eyes shut looking thought the rust and rotten dust
A spot of light floods the floor
And pours over the rusted world of pretend
And the eyes ease open and its dark again

In the memory you’ll find me
Eyes burning up
The darkness holding me tightly
Until the sun rises up

Moving all around
Screaming of the ups and downs
Pollution manifested in perpetual sound
The wheels go ’round and the sunset creeps past the
Street lamps, chain-link, and concrete
A little piece of paper with a picture drawn
Floats on down the street ’til the wind is gone
The memory now is like the picture was then
When the paper’s crumpled up it can’t be perfect again

Forgotten – Linkin Park