JackandBarb - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2011
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Jack and Barb
City: Encinitas
State: CA
Country: USA
Begins: Apr 17, 2011
Direction: Northbound
Daily Summary
Date: Wed, Jul 20th, 2011
Start: 1674
End: 1701 - just across the border, Oregon
Daily Distance: 27
Trip Distance: 1,264.2
Journal Stats
Entry Visits: 1,580
Journal Visits: 387,846
Guestbook Views: 167,248
Guestbook Entrys: 482
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Welcome to Oregon
On My Own
What was I thinking? Ok, I had 54 miles to Ashland so why not just split the mileage in two. I have done 27's before, and I could do one again. But, I forgot to check my altitude profiles (thanks again for them, Halfmile!).
I did get an early 6:30 am start. The Kiwis were awake but lounging in their tent. We yelled "g'bye bro" and I was off.
Something about being alone was sad but something was good. I was only responsible for myself and I was entirely on my own timeline. I took a short lunch break and pushed on. Wow, there is a lot of uphill today. I didn't really expect this much. I was getting closer to Oregon with every step. I could smell the Beavers and the Ducks (that is a play on words, folks).
Then, there it was, a big "Welcome to Oregon" sign. I was on track to get my miles in today. There was water and the topography looked good at 1701, so that's where I would stop. But at about mile 1700 I bonked, big time. I felt like I was going to pass out, dizzy, nauseous, flush. I stopped, I was out of Malto, so I ate a Lara bar and drank more water. In a few minutes I was ok and back in action. It was a weird feeling though. Like my body was just shutting down. I got to the water source at 1701, tanked up and then found a nice little camp spot about 50 meters further up the trail.
It was getting late. I had probably pushed myself further than I should have. I looked at the altitude profiles and started adding the numbers. It was 27 miles and 5,484 vertical feet! Now, by Malto's standards, that is a walk on the beach but for me, that was quite a feet (sic). Speaking of which, my left foot is sore on the bottom, just below the toes. Feels like a bruise with every step. I'm hoping it is not a stress fracture. If the pain keeps up, I will be going in for an X-ray.
I have my camp operation down pat. First, light up the alcohol stove and heat up some water (2 cups). While that is going, pitch the tent, blow up the neoair and lay out the sleeping bag. When the water is boiling, pour it into the meal bag and set aside. Keep putting the camp together then crawl in and eat dinner. Being careful not to drip food on the sleeping bag of course.
Tomorrow will be a big mileage day but it is mostly downhill - YAY! But, I did hear from some SoBo section hikers that there is more snow ahead. I could be in Ashland tomorrow night.
My body was really craving food tonight. I slammed the mountain house beef stroganoff for two. Remembered I now have an extra lunch so fixed a PBand J sandwitch. Then for dessert, had a four person serving of chocolate pudding with Nido (powdered whole milk). Was there anything more about I could eat? I crashed fast asleep almost immediately.
