Destination: Little Bear Springs
Starting Location: Highway 18 at Big Bear
Today’s Miles: 19.30
Trip Miles: 284.90
Highway 18 (265.3, 6829 to Little Bear Springs (284.6, 6600) ascent (2306) descent (2444)
Jim & Jackie said they don’t get up this early for just anyone. We asked to be at the trail head by 7:00 a.m., and we had to pick up Cadence and drive an hour back to the trail. So the alarms went off early and we were hiking at 7:05. Jim decided to join us and lead the way for 12 miles. He then took a side trail down to meet Jackie. He set a blistering pace and when he left we all agreed we want to hike like Jim when we grow up. Really enjoyed hiking with Cadence today and when we got to Bear Springs camp our buddies Weed and Sugar Daddy were getting ready to head out. We convinced them to hang out with us after we agreed to go 22 miles to Deep Creek Hot Springs tomorrow. We had a great evening showing each other pictures and teaching each other digital camera tricks.
Some of you reading this have posted words of encouragement and questions regarding my trip. First thank you for the kind words. Second, I will try to answer your questions best I can.
One question from Nancy, Gary & Katie was: Do your thoughts/thinking change as you hike long distances? I am not sure yet, but it seems that a certain level of meditation kicks in and your mind can actually get really quiet while hiking for hours. On several occasions I have realized that the constant chatter in my brain was really quiet and I realized I had literally not been thinking. Another thing that happens is your priorities are drastically altered. Water has been the best example so far. Think about it; when have you ever been concerned about such a basic requirement? On the trail we have been concerned and grateful on a daily basis. And I think this will likely change my thinking.
Nick, thanks for the fishing report. If you can loan a rod we should cast a fly on the McCloud when I come through Mt Shasta around August 1st.
Destination: Little Bear Springs
Starting Location: Highway 18 at Big Bear
Today’s Miles: 19.30
Trip Miles: 284.90
Highway 18 (265.3, 6829 to Little Bear Springs (284.6, 6600) ascent (2306) descent (2444)
Jim & Jackie said they don’t get up this early for just anyone. We asked to be at the trail head by 7:00 a.m., and we had to pick up Cadence and drive an hour back to the trail. So the alarms went off early and we were hiking at 7:05. Jim decided to join us and lead the way for 12 miles. He then took a side trail down to meet Jackie. He set a blistering pace and when he left we all agreed we want to hike like Jim when we grow up. Really enjoyed hiking with Cadence today and when we got to Bear Springs camp our buddies Weed and Sugar Daddy were getting ready to head out. We convinced them to hang out with us after we agreed to go 22 miles to Deep Creek Hot Springs tomorrow. We had a great evening showing each other pictures and teaching each other digital camera tricks.
Some of you reading this have posted words of encouragement and questions regarding my trip. First thank you for the kind words. Second, I will try to answer your questions best I can.
One question from Nancy, Gary & Katie was: Do your thoughts/thinking change as you hike long distances? I am not sure yet, but it seems that a certain level of meditation kicks in and your mind can actually get really quiet while hiking for hours. On several occasions I have realized that the constant chatter in my brain was really quiet and I realized I had literally not been thinking. Another thing that happens is your priorities are drastically altered. Water has been the best example so far. Think about it; when have you ever been concerned about such a basic requirement? On the trail we have been concerned and grateful on a daily basis. And I think this will likely change my thinking.
Nick, thanks for the fishing report. If you can loan a rod we should cast a fly on the McCloud when I come through Mt Shasta around August 1st.
Robert Francisco 
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