Day 71 – Managing Mileage and Energy

Miles: 1029.7 to 1055.0

Trail Miles: 25.3

Awoke at 0500. On the trail by0630. I’m hoping to do 25 Miles.

I may wind up ahead of Waterfall and Momento. Its going to happen with my resupply schedule eventually. They’re going into S Lake Tahoe. I’m not. But they’ll catch me again no doubt. Something about being 20 years younger…..

I’m trying to focus on ‘hiking my own hike’ and what that truly means. My own pace, mileage, being happy and content with my own progress vice what everyone else is doing.

Also, I’m trying to keep my energy up. Lately I’ve been feeling fatigued, particularly on climbs I would have crushed a week or two ago. I’m experiencing a lack of appetite. Nothing looks appealing to me. Even M&M’s and Haribo Gummi Bears are blah. Truly nothing seems appetizing.

With effort I did manage to eat food with pleasure today: a Probar, applesauce, 2instant oatmeal’s, 2 carnation instant breakfasts, a snickers, alredo with chicken and peas, Swedish Fish. And water, a lot more water. I felt better.

Shortly after passing a trailhead near Ebbitts Pass, I saw what I think are mountain lion tracks in a snowfield. There were signs posted saying this was their territory. I wish I’d taken better photos but I was alone and for some reason wanted to get out of the area quickly.

Cougar tracks

A lot of up and down today, but stayed between 8000 and 9500 feet all day. The terrain is changing – more volcanic with boulders made of boulders.

Boulder made of boulders

Made 25 miles. Momento and Waterfall did too. Wasn’t sure they were going to camp with me, but I was glad they did. It was nice to have the company after such a long day.