Lets see, what has happened since I last posted?
I hiked 400 miles (I'm now in Dunsmuir at mile 1506.5)
I passed the halfway point
I sat in poison oak
I took one shower and did laundry once (I believe I reached Type 5 BO. See the dirtbag diary podcast for details)
I saw my first two Cascade volcanoes (Lassen and Shasta)
I had ice cream for breakfast no less than three times
I took three neros and no zeros
I saw my fourth bear
This has been quite the section, but I am starting to realize why people loose momentum and get off the trail in Northern California (don't worry! I'm not getting off!!) The terrain is not difficult, but it is hot and dry. The views are beautiful, but they are gently beautiful instead of the overwhelming beauty of the Sierras. I also am just simply tired. I've had only two half days in the last twenty-one (not counting today). I've been racing toward Ashland, trying to make up two days in order to meet Bill on the third. I've made up the time but geez am I ever tired. Advice to future hikers: make a schedule but don't stress about following it. Give yourself extra days if you're trying to meet someone. It is no fun pushing extra miles.
I have also been experiencing a peculiar phenomenon since leaving Tahoe. Hikers are continually saying things like "I'm feeling pressure to up the miles. I've got to get to [insert an place that is not California]." Except for getting to Ashland (and I don't have to up my miles much to do this), I don't feel this pressure. Honestly, it bums me out when friends think they must walk 30 miles a day at this point because that means I'll probably never seen them again. However, I am perfectly content walking 22-25 miles a day and getting a nice along siesta in during the hottest part of the day. I feel lucky that WeeBee feels the same way!
I want to thank all the trail angels I've encounter in this stretch:
Bill and Margaret of the Red Moose Inn in Sierra City
Brenda and Laurie Braaten of Little Haven in Belden
Gourmet, who provided beer and burgers at Hwy 36
Nancy, Mike, and Stephen, who fed us dinner at Warner Springs campground just north of Drakesbad Guest Resort
Jeannie-bug and Kermit, WeeBee's parents for picking us up, shuttling us around, snacks, and doing our laundry!!!
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