Today’s Miles: 21
PCT Miles Hikes: 327/2660
Max-Heap opens the cabin door this morning to a big herd of elk grazing in the morning meadow. There are elks of all sizes and they look completely at ease in the morning mist. After a bit, they notice us watching and a couple of loud calls later the herd moves on. Good-bye elk.
This morning we are hiking through a long burn section that seems to last forever. The fog is thick and persistent and I feel really tired. It feels like I’m just making miles and I try to be okay with that. Not everyday be sunshine and meadows.
Despite this, Max Heap and I make 12 miles by 12 pm. Max calls it a “12 by 12”. I take a nap after eating lunch, pulling out my sleeping pad and sleeping bag and crashing next to a small river. I awaken 45 minutes later to a group of NOBO’s approaching the water source. I feel disoriented as I pack my stuff back
up and then make chit-chat with them. Were you sleeping, one of them asks. I tell them yes and they tell me they like midday naps also, which makes me feel a little better.
I arrive at our intended camping site, Sheep Lake, a little behind Max-Heap. It turns out the lake is next to a highway and today is Friday. The implications of this is the lake is full of weekenders. I’m annoyed by the lack of space and noise levels but I catch myself. Everyone has the same right to be out here. PCTers may be looking more at rest and recovery after hiking 20 miles while weekenders may be looking at socializing and fun after putting in a 40 hour work week. Both are equally valid and I try to keep that perspective in mind.
Eventually, the noise around the lake subsides and I fall into a fitful sleep. It’s a meh day but those seem bound to happen on a long trail like this. All part of the experience.
Love your positive mindset 🙂 Beautiful views