Charlie Hyde - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2010

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Papa Hawk Teaches Baby to Hunt

Life Is Very Good

I was thinking today. (I know, a dangerous thing to do but my little
brain likes to whir) I was thinking that I'm always writing thes
updates at night when every part of my body is hurting, I'm exhausted
and the mosquitos have had me for supper and the eyeball dive bombing
gnats have driven me crazy. And often I've forgotten what a glorious
morning I've had so many hours ago.
Last night we had a thunder and lightning storm with a fair amount of
rain and this morning when I got on the trail at 6:30 the air was
fresh and a light breeze was steadily cooling as I traversed the
slopes. (We're finally headed north). The east facing slopes were
teaming with wild flowers, Paintbrush, Lupin, Asters, Penstimens I
believe, some purple bell shaped flowers and white cauliflower looking
ones. The bees were busy and my pant legs got soaked as I strode
through the flowers. Then on the west facing slopes it was grasshopper
roller derby as big ones, little ones, yellow winged and green winged
ones jumped as I walked the path. Usually they would zing arcing and
flying out of the way, but quite often they'd jump the wrong way and
ricochet off my arms and chest. Quite fun. Times like that I feel so
grateful and happy to be on the trail..
I saw no thru hikers today and only a young man at Paradise Lake with
what I took to be his younger brothers.
I felt strong most of the day but I hit a bit of a wall at around 24
miles with no water or flat camping spot to be found in the steep
valley of Grider Creek. (It should be called Grinder for what I was
doing the last 4 miles) twelve hours is too long a day for me! I was
however very excited to see Oregon Grape, bracken ferns, and Madrona
trees as I descended below 2000 ft, which all reminded me of home. Had a good converstion with a medium sized rattler; he didn't think so I guess..
I'm not sure what I would do differently but after reading Yogi's
notes I'm not in the best position for tomorrow, looking at a bad 4500
ft climb in the heat of the day out of "the hottest town on the PCT",
Seiad Valley.
But Oregon is calling and one or two zeros in Ashland.
Side note: the new shoes I'm trying are not going to work out, too
tight in the toe box in the hot afternoons when my anti inflammatories
start wearing off and my feet swell. Got the start of a couple new
blisters.
Sleep sleep sweet sleep. Love to you all.

{dailyDistance=28.4 +
.3}






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