Day 96 – 2nd 30-Miler

7/19

Miles: 1549.6 to 1580.0

Trail Miles: 30.4

I woke up just before 5am but dozed on and off for 15 more minutes. There are several good reasons to cowboy camp. One of them is how quickly you can be packed up. I was hiking by 5:45.

The bad thing about cowboy camping is you are exposed to the elements, to include mosquitoes and ants. Last night’s campsite didn’t seem particularly buggy when I set up, but during the night I had to hunker down underneath my sleeping bag to escape the mosquitoes. It wasn’t too bad but enough to be an annoyance. It was also warm, my sleeping bag is a 20° bag. It was 60 deg last night. It made for dilemma throughout the night: sweat under the sleeping bag or surrender to the mosquitoes.

I also caught a few large ants trying to get into my sleeping bag. I found the source of the ants this morning. I’d camped near a large tree and there were a few mounds of toilet paper left behind the tree. Not exactly “leave no trace.” — One thing people who don’t backpack may not understand is that by following the rules of how to properly shit in the woods, they make it better for everyone. I’ve yet to meet anyone who enjoys seeing used TP on the trail or at their campsite. If you pack it in, pack it out.

I’ll get off my soapbox now…..

For a week or so there’s been forest fires in Oregon. About 20 miles of the PCT is currently closed due to the fire. I’ve seen smoke in the distance, but this morning was the first time I noticed a smell of fire.

I was swarmed by mosquitoes while going to the bathroom today. They’ll attack every bit of bare skin they can find, bastards.

Other than Bomber, a hiker I met a few days ago, I seem to be in a new bubble of hikers. Smokebeard,Bandit, Fish and Sonic are all close by – probably less than a day behind me. But Bomber and I are both trying to get to Etna by tomorrow/Friday, the 20th.

I’m feeling good and healthy. The emphasis on breakfasts (all 3-4 of them) and taking vitamins and certain supplements seem to have worked. Although more sleep would always be welcome.

Today the trail alternated between rocky, sun-exposed sections and shaded areas. Fortunately there are plenty of springs so water wasn’t an issue. This section of trail heads generally south and west. I’m really looking forward to turning back to the north. Even though it’s still trail miles, I’d mentally prefer to be getting closer to Oregon rather than further away.

I did my second 30 mile day. Physically I feel fine, but tomorrow will be the judge, mentally and physically. Hopefully it wasn’t a mistake to go so far.