rising sun and heat. I got through Deep
Creek Canyon without melting and walked up to the junction of Hwy 173. Low and behold, set up under a
Juniper tree was a trail angel named Shepard who had a food setup with hot dogs, potato salad, chips, drinks etc. The surprise and enjoyment I felt was enormous. In fact I am still here, four hours later. It could have to do with the temps being in the high 90's or just the company but either way, I ain't hiking again till its cooler. I had hoped to make more miles, nine more in fact, but I don't know that it will happen. Thanks Shepard!
Mile 322, more or less
I swear it must have reached 100 degrees today. I hung out at Shepard's spot till as late as I could and still get some miles in. At four I forced myself to don my pack and I went out into the late afternoon sun. It was still pretty hot at first but once I made about four miles and it neared 6pm, the whole thing began to feel tolerable. I watered up at the last creek and off I went, attempting to get all the way to Silverwood Lake. I finally had to stop when I began to lose light so I tucked into a small alcove cut into the dense brush. I think I got within 1 mile of my planned stop for the night and made 16 miles. It sure makes a difference, taking six hours off in the middle of the day.
What a pleasant surprise.....food and drink in the shade. i had no idea people took it upon themselves to take care of the hikers. Sweet.
ReplyDeleteI know. Today when climbing up to Silverwood lake there was an ice chest alongside the trail with a note on it saying the contents were for pct hikers. Inside was fresh fruit an cold water. Cool huh?
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely thing to unexpectedly find food and comfort waiting for you. Sounds like you did pretty good miles even with a six hour break! Not bad.
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