July 15: Today was a big day. A gigantic day. A milestone day. And I'll tell you why- later.
First I'll say that the deer that kept waking me up all night stood around and watched me break down camp like it was some kind of wilderness performance art for animals. Deer are dumb. They're beautiful. But stupid. I love 'em. But I wanna smack some sense into their beautiful deer heads. I never do. Most of the time, I just get into staring contests with them. They always win.
So I packed up, got some more water from the cold, lovely spring, and hiked out as the clouds were hanging low and the thunder was still rumbling and the weather was making up its mind about what to do.
It got sunny. It got hot. It got really, really hot. It got hot and I was wishing I was where I was a few days before when I crossed that bridge over a big deep swimming hole. I kept walking. I had somewhere to be.
I walked past a few areas that reminded me of North Carolina.
First I'll say that the deer that kept waking me up all night stood around and watched me break down camp like it was some kind of wilderness performance art for animals. Deer are dumb. They're beautiful. But stupid. I love 'em. But I wanna smack some sense into their beautiful deer heads. I never do. Most of the time, I just get into staring contests with them. They always win.
So I packed up, got some more water from the cold, lovely spring, and hiked out as the clouds were hanging low and the thunder was still rumbling and the weather was making up its mind about what to do.
It got sunny. It got hot. It got really, really hot. It got hot and I was wishing I was where I was a few days before when I crossed that bridge over a big deep swimming hole. I kept walking. I had somewhere to be.
I walked past a few areas that reminded me of North Carolina.
AND THEN......
Yes, I sang the song and danced around a little bit. It seems like an AWFUL long way to get to the halfway point! And yes, 1325 miles to be exact. IS a long way.
That white shirt is holding up pretty well, though,don't ya think?
Shortly after the halfway point (like 2-3 hours) I came to the road crossing for Chester. I was longing for some kind of half way challenge. Like the half gallon challenge on the AT. Maybe a half pound burger or something. But Chester required a hitch into town. And the road to Chester was pretty deserted. So, sadly, I crossed the road.
And happily, ran into this:
That white shirt is holding up pretty well, though,don't ya think?
Shortly after the halfway point (like 2-3 hours) I came to the road crossing for Chester. I was longing for some kind of half way challenge. Like the half gallon challenge on the AT. Maybe a half pound burger or something. But Chester required a hitch into town. And the road to Chester was pretty deserted. So, sadly, I crossed the road.
And happily, ran into this:
TRAIL MAGIC! Trail magic, trail magic. Nothing brings a smile to my face like trail magic. Not an inquisitive deer, not a deep swimming hole, not the halfway point. Trail magic is just so uplifting and nice. I had a Dr Pepper with Iron Man on the can and a big home made brownie. Can you believe somebody made home made brownies and brought them out here just to make hikers happy? People are great, I tell you. Maybe not as beautiful as deer, but much smarter. And much nicer.
So after my lunch/trail magic break, I continued along through some decidedly easy terrain
So after my lunch/trail magic break, I continued along through some decidedly easy terrain
Nice, right? And especially welcome because-- well -- it was hot.
So when I reached the northern fork of the Feather River, I happily pitched my tent and sat myself down on a rock in the middle of the river in my undies.
And guess what? It was another sleep-rave by the river because everyone else wanted to sit in the river, too!
We all sang a rousing rendition of Living on a Prayer before bed.
So when I reached the northern fork of the Feather River, I happily pitched my tent and sat myself down on a rock in the middle of the river in my undies.
And guess what? It was another sleep-rave by the river because everyone else wanted to sit in the river, too!
We all sang a rousing rendition of Living on a Prayer before bed.
Peace, love, and trail magic!
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