Ellie - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2008

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High desert sunset

Slow Start

Today has resulted in a bumpy start getting out of Aqua Dulce. I was up all night with a bad stomach. I took some medicine, and plan on leaving today around 5PM after it cools back down, I wait out the stomach, and I get rehydrated.

I finally made it out at 5PM, and headed to get dinner on my way out of town. I did not realize the town is closed on Mondays. The exception of course was the liquor/convenience store, so I bought a gatorade, pepsi, and one of those cellophane wrapped chicken salad sandwiches. I sure hope it does not result in a repeat of last night.

I sat and ate on the curb by the store, along with others that appeared to be kind of wandering through the town. I got some of those sideways, don't make eye contact looks from people going in and out of the store, as they tried to determine if I was homeless or a hiker. I still think the blue foam Wal-mart pad gives me a slightly homeless appearance. I also attached mylar to my umbrella to reflect heat, so it now looks like I have a giant wad of used Reynolds wrap stuck to the side of my pack. One woman even offered me her "slightly cold" bottled water.


A couple of miscellaneous facts thought of during today's tedious "stomach watch."

I have now hiked 455 miles.
I have lost 17 lbs.
My feet have gone up 2 sizes.
The next 12 days through the. mojave will be the hottest.
I have seen 9 rattlers.
I have lost 2 toenails
With 4 liters of water (min. I carry), and 6 days of food, my pack weighs approximately 40 lbs.

I went far enough past the town and ranch/junk yard/rodeo rink/plane rebuilding yard, and up into the hills to feel safe. I am now camped as I Iisten to the yipping songs of coyotes.

On a side note....someone needs to tell Thane I thought I saw what could be a steal on a 737 for his first purchase.

Goodnight

Retro



Ellie
sidselliott@aol.com

Entry 59 of 169
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