July 10: heading out of Sierra City in the morning hit me with mixed feelings- on the one hand, u so wanted to be back on the trail breathing in that air and taking those views and feeling my legs working underneath me and my lungs stretching just a little more and feeling just so damn alive in this world! On the other hand, staying in that nice warm room out of the rain and binge watching Orange is the New Black on my iPad was tempting as well. The trail won. It always does.
The day started with a big climb- it wasn't overly taxing, despite what the topo maps looked like. Nice even switchbacks, pine needles underfoot and tall trees for protection (from sun or rain) overhead. Plus encouraging sharpie messages
The sky had ominous cloud cover all day, but we never got more than passing sprinkles. It just seemed like we were going to get dumped on. A situation Madeira dire when we climbed out of the trees and spent several hours ridge walking - completely exposed to the elements.
Given the choice of walking on an exposed ridge or in the forest amongst the trees, I always prefer trees. There's just something different a pith the energy when you are in the trees. It's calming. Serene. A bit magical, like you have wandered into a fairy tale.
But then again, the exposed ridges do have the views. Those spectacular views that make the PCT so magnificent
And sometimes, you get to hang out with a grouse.
Despite the later town start, I had planned on doing 26 miles today. But at 20, I felt so tired. And it was getting cold and windy (back up at 7000 feet). And there was such a nice camp spot right there! (Maybe I stayed up too late binging OITNB) So I settled in ong the trees and was joined by a couple southbounders later on. It wa a cold, cold windy night!
But the day was so perfect, I could accept wearing a fleece hat and gloves in July.
Peace, love, and trail magic!
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