Day 82 – Anywhere but Here

Miles: 1259.9 to 1282.4

Trail Miles: 22.5

After several mild nights with 50 degree temps, the night I have to cowboy camp the temperature drops to 39 overnight.

I was warm in my sleeping bag, so I took my time getting up. I didn’t get on the trail until almost 0800.

After yesterday’s 30-miler, I felt fine physically; no aches or pains. However I was tired mentally. It was hard to get excited about doing ‘only’ 22 miles today.

Fortunately the trail was mostly level, compared to the big descent and 7-mile climb of yesterday. I would have been in a sour mood otherwise. Today was one of those days I wanted to be somewhere else, doing something else. After eighty days of trail life, I think it was understandable. But I really had no choice. Hike on I must.

I hadn’t had cell service since leaving the Tahoe area, four days before. I hadn’t expected NorCal to be a cellular desert (at least for AT&T). There were mixed reports that prior to the descent into Belden, my next resupply, there was service. Fortunately they were correct. At mile 1271 there was a rock outcropping and view. I could see small farms in the distance (my clue I might have service). I was able to call HH and we talked for awhile. When I started hiking again my mood had improved immensely.

I travel professionally for extended periods of time. I’m not one to get homesick, but the trail is different. Being able to talk with HH regularly is important. He’ll be busy with work the next few months, and regular contact will be challenging.

He’s handed the baton of my resupplies over to Betty’s Mom and M&D. Timing the boxes and equipment is a bit of a chore for everyone. I couldn’t do this without their help

Along there area of trail there are historical markers, noting significant passes California emigrants used back in the 1800s. It’s pretty amazing what they went through and did. –Makes me realize how easy I have it out here in 2018.

Historical Marker, Emigrant Trail

Sunset 7/5/18, above Belden Town

I camped on the ridge above Belden. I’d heard there was a rave going on there through the weekend. That’s not really my scene, so I stopped short and hoped to get in/get out tomorrow. I was surprised at the number of (younger) fellow hikers who had the same plan. Seems most of us are intent on getting to Canada.

1 Comment