Robert Francisco

Destination: Tehachapi

Starting Location: Highway 58

Today’s Miles: 0.00

Trip Miles: 566.90

Tehachapi – Zero

Today was a very difficult zero. Cadence’s foot was hurting badly and she was concerned she may have developed a stress fracture. This injury was of particular concern because she had a previous break in the same foot as a result of long distance hiking. After researching options she went to the emergency room and received inconclusive results but an urging from the doctor to not exacerbate the injury and seek more advanced medical review. Given the pain, history, and recommendation she opted to not hike with us tomorrow. It is difficult to describe how bummed I am Cadence is hopefully only temporarily, off the trail. We have hiked together for weeks and while we disagreed occasionally on daily strategies, and our personalities bumped a bit, she was/is a great team member who added a tremendous amount to my hike.

Today was also logistically difficult as this was our last “big” town stop before the Sierra and it will be over a month before we see a full service town again. So we planned, we strategized, and we ultimately decided on buying food for 14 days and plan on coming out of the Sierra at Kearsarge Pass for a mid traverse resupply. Planning 14 days of meals is more difficult than it sounds so Sugar Daddy & I walked every aisle of the store and grabbed lots of things we like and that provide our caloric needs. I hope we got enough stuff because if we don’t we will be at the mercy of a few tiny convenience stores before we enter the “Range of Light” and all its snow.

Destination: Tehachapi

Starting Location: Highway 58

Today’s Miles: 0.00

Trip Miles: 566.90

Tehachapi – Zero

Today was a very difficult zero. Cadence’s foot was hurting badly and she was concerned she may have developed a stress fracture. This injury was of particular concern because she had a previous break in the same foot as a result of long distance hiking. After researching options she went to the emergency room and received inconclusive results but an urging from the doctor to not exacerbate the injury and seek more advanced medical review. Given the pain, history, and recommendation she opted to not hike with us tomorrow. It is difficult to describe how bummed I am Cadence is hopefully only temporarily, off the trail. We have hiked together for weeks and while we disagreed occasionally on daily strategies, and our personalities bumped a bit, she was/is a great team member who added a tremendous amount to my hike.

Today was also logistically difficult as this was our last “big” town stop before the Sierra and it will be over a month before we see a full service town again. So we planned, we strategized, and we ultimately decided on buying food for 14 days and plan on coming out of the Sierra at Kearsarge Pass for a mid traverse resupply. Planning 14 days of meals is more difficult than it sounds so Sugar Daddy & I walked every aisle of the store and grabbed lots of things we like and that provide our caloric needs. I hope we got enough stuff because if we don’t we will be at the mercy of a few tiny convenience stores before we enter the “Range of Light” and all its snow.

Destination: Highway 58

Starting Location: Tylerhorse Canyon

Today’s Miles: 25.20

Trip Miles: 566.90

Tylerhorse Canyon (541.4, 4840) to Highway 58 (566.6, 3830) ascent (5112) descent (6099)

With chin straps tightly secured we completed the Mojave desert section of the trail under the watchful eye of the enormous wind turbines east of Tehachapi. Now that was wind.

Had a good day of hiking and completed my first 25 miler of the trip. I physically felt pretty good and I am getting stronger. I have developed a minor (hope it stays that way) case of plantar fascitis which, as I understand it is a tear of the ligaments that run under the foot & connect to the achilles. It hurts nicely after it has contracted (in the morning) and feels like a hundred needles in my heel. Crazy horse has the same problem but his is real serious and thus has developed some expertise on the subject. He gave me the run down of mechanical aids as well as critical stretches.

So, to be clear – thru-hiking is not anything like backpacking and the likely the two should not be lumped together. Long distance hiking is physically very hard as your body suffers from cumulative stresses that develop & hopefully heal without taking any meaningful recovery periods. For me this has meant a series of physical challenges that would typically warrant doctor attention. But our bodies are resilient & I keep thanking mine for hanging tough.

Met Dad at Willow Springs road for lunch and learned he had provided rides to Mojave. We pushed on to Highway 58 to set up our next leg & we are enjoying a little town comfort. We officially enter the Sierra Nevada Range when we proceed north from here but one side of the freeway does not look different than the other and this does not look like my Sierra Nevada but the milestone is cool.

Realized today that Mexico is a fair drive by car from here and thus we are making northerly progress. I feel like I have accomplished a lot by coming this far and I think I can now say that I have a legitimate shot at making it. Don’t get me wrong, “stuff happens” but every mile north means an increase in potential success.

Saw a herd of wild horse this morning. Magic. They let us approach fairly close, and then they positioned their new foals in the middle of a perfect circle with all of the adult horses facing out while the lead stallion served as the high ground sentinel. They are not endemic to California, but they have adapted to the western landscape & to see them gave me hope for wildness into the future.

Destination: Highway 58

Starting Location: Tylerhorse Canyon

Today’s Miles: 25.20

Trip Miles: 566.90

Tylerhorse Canyon (541.4, 4840) to Highway 58 (566.6, 3830) ascent (5112) descent (6099)

With chin straps tightly secured we completed the Mojave desert section of the trail under the watchful eye of the enormous wind turbines east of Tehachapi. Now that was wind.

Had a good day of hiking and completed my first 25 miler of the trip. I physically felt pretty good and I am getting stronger. I have developed a minor (hope it stays that way) case of plantar fascitis which, as I understand it is a tear of the ligaments that run under the foot & connect to the achilles. It hurts nicely after it has contracted (in the morning) and feels like a hundred needles in my heel. Crazy horse has the same problem but his is real serious and thus has developed some expertise on the subject. He gave me the run down of mechanical aids as well as critical stretches.

So, to be clear – thru-hiking is not anything like backpacking and the likely the two should not be lumped together. Long distance hiking is physically very hard as your body suffers from cumulative stresses that develop & hopefully heal without taking any meaningful recovery periods. For me this has meant a series of physical challenges that would typically warrant doctor attention. But our bodies are resilient & I keep thanking mine for hanging tough.

Met Dad at Willow Springs road for lunch and learned he had provided rides to Mojave. We pushed on to Highway 58 to set up our next leg & we are enjoying a little town comfort. We officially enter the Sierra Nevada Range when we proceed north from here but one side of the freeway does not look different than the other and this does not look like my Sierra Nevada but the milestone is cool.

Realized today that Mexico is a fair drive by car from here and thus we are making northerly progress. I feel like I have accomplished a lot by coming this far and I think I can now say that I have a legitimate shot at making it. Don’t get me wrong, “stuff happens” but every mile north means an increase in potential success.

Saw a herd of wild horse this morning. Magic. They let us approach fairly close, and then they positioned their new foals in the middle of a perfect circle with all of the adult horses facing out while the lead stallion served as the high ground sentinel. They are not endemic to California, but they have adapted to the western landscape & to see them gave me hope for wildness into the future.

Destination: Tylerhorse Canyon

Starting Location: Adjacent to Aqueduct

Today’s Miles: 16.40

Trip Miles: 541.70

Adjacent to Aqueduct (525, 3100) to Tylerhorse Canyon (541.4, 4840) ascent (2907) descent (1263)

The negative sentiment regarding the aqueduct walk across the lowlands of the Mojave proved untrue for me. This is a beautiful area with sublime views of open desert landscape. Yes, it is hot but to have one hiker call it purgatory made me question me perception of reality.

Around 10:30 when our backs, chest, & foreheads were soaked in sweat we rounded a corner to find my Dad, his dog Boo, and their motorhome all set up for our afternoon siesta in the middle of nowhere. And what a siesta! Mom had premade a meatloaf that Dad baked along with baked potatoes, peas & ice cream for dessert. Cadence sincerely commented that it was thus far her best meal of the trip. Dad also poured lemonade for the other hikers waiting out the sun and provided abundant water that did not require chemicals or filters to ensure potability.

Pro Deal joined us on our departure & he brought an entirely different set of life experiences to our already diverse group. He is under age 40, but we waived the entrance requirements and 6 miles flew by as he shared his experience with one particular religion. The more I know about the options available the more certain I am becoming that a particular dogma is not for me. Nor the rub is that I do not get to have “the answer” but I am beginning to take comfort on the path of looking without finding.

We had to stop early as the wind is howling on the ridges & we did not want to be caught exposed. That means a 25 mile (our longest) day tomorrow. I am feeling up to it and knowing we are going to Tehachapi upon our completion helps a lot.

Destination: Tylerhorse Canyon

Starting Location: Adjacent to Aqueduct

Today’s Miles: 16.40

Trip Miles: 541.70

Adjacent to Aqueduct (525, 3100) to Tylerhorse Canyon (541.4, 4840) ascent (2907) descent (1263)

The negative sentiment regarding the aqueduct walk across the lowlands of the Mojave proved untrue for me. This is a beautiful area with sublime views of open desert landscape. Yes, it is hot but to have one hiker call it purgatory made me question my perception of reality.

Around 10:30 when our backs, chest, & foreheads were soaked in sweat we rounded a corner to find my Dad, his dog Boo, and their motorhome all set up for our afternoon siesta in the middle of nowhere. And what a siesta! Mom had premade a meatloaf that Dad baked along with baked potatoes, peas & ice cream for dessert. Cadence sincerely commented that it was thus far her best meal of the trip. Dad also poured lemonade for the other hikers waiting out the sun and provided abundant water that did not require chemicals or filters to ensure potability.

Pro Deal joined us on our departure & he brought an entirely different set of life experiences to our already diverse group. He is under age 40, but we waived the entrance requirements and 6 miles flew by as he shared his experience with one particular religion. The more I know about the options available the more certain I am becoming that a particular dogma is not for me. Nor the rub is that I do not get to have “the answer” but I am beginning to take comfort on the path of looking without finding.

We had to stop early as the wind is howling on the ridges & we did not want to be caught exposed. That means a 25 mile (our longest) day tomorrow. I am feeling up to it and knowing we are going to Tehachapi upon our completion helps a lot.

Destination: Adjacent to Aqueduct

Starting Location: Red Rock Water Tank

Today’s Miles: 22.00

Trip Miles: 525.30

Red Rock Water Tank (503, 5660) Adjacent to Aqueduct (525, 3100) ascent (2103) descent (4570)

When we started out this morning we saw a note from Tree Hugger that she had seen a mountain lion. I was hopeful but all we saw were some fresh tracks on the trail. The early morning was glorious as we descended through a Hansel & Gretel oak woodland full of hollows in the trees complete with owls hooting. And then the first real Mojave heat and the craziest route for the trail as it went west then east in an effort to avoid the largest ranch (Tejon) in California. We finally crossed Highway 138, checked out Hiker Town (another very hospitable trail angel who allows hikers to get water, use an outside shower, & camp on his lawn), & met Dad who shuttled us to the country market for ice cream & soda. We sat out the afternoon heat (95 degrees) & organized our gear for the next several days.

At 6:00 pm we headed down the California aqueduct which carries water from the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada to the increasingly thirsty and arid southern California. Ultimately the open canal goes underground and as we walked on top of it, we could hear water rushing beneath us as we toll across the Mojave. I personally like the Mojave because I think Joshua trees are really neat, but the next few days are likely going to be tough.

Once again, my wonderful wife Liz came through and secured me some supplements that may help my stomach by improving liver function. Hope they work.

Also got a new pair of New Balance 907’s. The old pair was shot after about 400 miles and the support in the new shoes feels good. I once again added a metatarsal pad to my Superfeet insoles and that is keeping the pain down to a no Vitamin I level.

I feel really good tonight. We are camped beside the aqueduct, under a bright star night with coyotes yipping in the distance. I am a lucky guy.

Destination: Adjacent to Aqueduct

Starting Location: Red Rock Water Tank

Today’s Miles: 22.00

Trip Miles: 525.30

Red Rock Water Tank (503, 5660) Adjacent to Aqueduct (525, 3100) ascent (2103) descent (4570)

When we started out this morning we saw a note from Tree Hugger that she had seen a mountain lion. I was hopeful but all we saw were some fresh tracks on the trail. The early morning was glorious as we descended through a Hansel & Gretel oak woodland full of hollows in the trees complete with owls hooting. And then the first real Mojave heat and the craziest route for the trail as it went west then east in an effort to avoid the largest ranch (Tejon) in California. We finally crossed Highway 138, checked out Hiker Town (another very hospitable trail angel who allows hikers to get water, use an outside shower, & camp on his lawn), & met Dad who shuttled us to the country market for ice cream & soda. We sat out the afternoon heat (95 degrees) & organized our gear for the next several days.

At 6:00 pm we headed down the California aqueduct which carries water from the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada to the increasingly thirsty and arid southern California. Ultimately the open canal goes underground and as we walked on top of it, we could hear water rushing beneath us as we toll across the Mojave. I personally like the Mojave because I think Joshua trees are really neat, but the next few days are likely going to be tough.

Once again, my wonderful wife Liz came through and secured me some supplements that may help my stomach by improving liver function. Hope they work.

Also got a new pair of New Balance 907’s. The old pair was shot after about 400 miles and the support in the new shoes feels good. I once again added a metatarsal pad to my Superfeet insoles and that is keeping the pain down to a no Vitamin I level.

I feel really good tonight. We are camped beside the aqueduct, under a bright star night with coyotes yipping in the distance. I am a lucky guy.

Destination: Red Rock Water Tank

Starting Location: San Francisquito Canyon Road

Today’s Miles: 24.40

Trip Miles: 503.30

San Francisquito Canyon Road (4786, 3385) to Red Rock Water Tank (503, 5660) ascent (4652) descent (2477)

I think we were all dreading today because it was reported as a 30 mile waterless stretch and we assumed incorrectly that we would be fully exposed. Instead we found ourselves walking into and out of some truly beautiful live oak forest with an occasional cedar cluster thrown in. We also found a fair amount of water and we are camped overlooking the Mojave adjacent to a 10,000 gallon concrete fire water tank. Now this is a water cache.

I was able to clean up with water and we stopped early enough to allow the sun to dry my previously filthy body. I sleep so much better when I am clean.

Our group (Sugar Daddy, Weed, Cadence & I) dynamics have changed since Lucky Liz got off the trail as planned at Agua Dulce. It is not better or worse just different as everyone takes on slightly new rules consistent with the new dynamic. I am sure this will change again when Weed leaves us at highway 178. I am hopeful that our group stays together at least through the Sierra because I have confidence in this group and I know what to expect from each member & I know they are capable of making it & helping others make it as well.

I did much better on my food selections this leg. I went for maximum variety after the great nut debacle last leg. What happened was that I had bought way too many nuts and figured “oh well” I will just eat a lot of nuts instead of other stuff. Let me tell you, it will be weeks before I eat another nut and if Weed had not given me 3 oz of tuna and Luigi had not given me some M & M’s I would have certainly overdosed on nuts. There was even talk about changing my trail name to nutcase.

My food strategy for this leg was to basically not eat the same thing more than twice. It has been good with the exception that I think really fatty foods are contributing to my stomach being upset and thus my cheese & salami burrito was not very appetizing but I gagged down the needed calories regardless.

Starting to think about our Sierra strategy as it is getting close. We have several viable options with each having advantages & disadvantages. I am hopeful that I do not have to come out of the high mountains to resupply. However that could mean carrying 11 days of food and that could be problematic. We will figure it out in the coming weeks.

Destination: Red Rock Water Tank

Starting Location: San Francisquito Canyon Road

Today’s Miles: 24.40

Trip Miles: 503.30

San Francisquito Canyon Road (4786, 3385) to Red Rock Water Tank (503, 5660) ascent (4652) descent (2477)

I think we were all dreading today because it was reported as a 30 mile waterless stretch and we assumed incorrectly that we would be fully exposed. Instead we found ourselves walking into and out of some truly beautiful live oak forest with an occasional cedar cluster thrown in. We also found a fair amount of water and we are camped overlooking the Mojave adjacent to a 10,000 gallon concrete fire water tank. Now this is a water cache.

I was able to clean up with water and we stopped early enough to allow the sun to dry my previously filthy body. I sleep so much better when I am clean.

Our group (Sugar Daddy, Weed, Cadence & I) dynamics have changed since Lucky Liz got off the trail as planned at Agua Dulce. It is not better or worse just different as everyone takes on slightly new rules consistent with the new dynamic. I am sure this will change again when Weed leaves us at highway 178. I am hopeful that our group stays together at least through the Sierra because I have confidence in this group and I know what to expect from each member & I know they are capable of making it & helping others make it as well.

I did much better on my food selections this leg. I went for maximum variety after the great nut debacle last leg. What happened was that I had bought way too many nuts and figured “oh well” I will just eat a lot of nuts instead of other stuff. Let me tell you, it will be weeks before I eat another nut and if Weed had not given me 3 oz of tuna and Luigi had not given me some M & M’s I would have certainly overdosed on nuts. There was even talk about changing my trail name to nutcase.

My food strategy for this leg was to basically not eat the same thing more than twice. It has been good with the exception that I think really fatty foods are contributing to my stomach being upset and thus my cheese & salami burrito was not very appetizing but I gagged down the needed calories regardless.

Starting to think about our Sierra strategy as it is getting close. We have several viable options with each having advantages & disadvantages. I am hopeful that I do not have to come out of the high mountains to resupply. However that could mean carrying 11 days of food and that could be problematic. We will figure it out in the coming weeks.

Destination: San Francisquito Canyon Road

Starting Location: Agua Dulce

Today’s Miles: 24.20

Trip Miles: 478.90

Agua Dulce (454.4, 2530) to San Francisquito Canyon Road (478.6, 3385) ascent (4560) descent (3517)

I am totally spent. Dave gave us a ride after we arranged for my dad to pick up some of our Sierra stuff, and food for beyond Highway 138 (on Wednesday). We started hiking with heavy packs and moved like slugs as we traveled down a lengthy road walk. Fortunately trail angels Dean & Daniel had offered to meet us at Bouquet Canyon Road which allowed us to only carry three liters of water versus six. When we met them we not only got water but juice, soda & chips. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

We hiked on a long way and found more magic as we rounded a corner in the heavy chaparral to find the Casa Oasis. Complete with a plastic skeleton and a pink flamingo, eccentric and lovable Joe & Terry Anderson have carved out a tunnel in the vegetation where we found chairs, soda & beer on ice and a trash can. As we were scratching our head while enjoying a soda (beer for Weed), in walks Joe Anderson. We had a fun time joking around and talking about the trail. We were caught in the vortex and did not leave until 4 pm with another 7 miles to water. Those were really tough miles.

When we got to the road, Terry found us and offered us an all you can eat dinner and breakfast at the Casa de Luna. We were tempted, but want to ensure we get out early for our planned 25 miles tomorrow. I hope I recover over night as I am totally exhausted. My stomach has been acting up a lot and that is taking a physical but more significantly a mental toll. I got a message to Liz to try and reach the nutritionist I was working with to prior to the hike in an attempt to try some nutritional options that may help.

Destination: San Francisquito Canyon Road

Starting Location: Agua Dulce

Today’s Miles: 24.20

Trip Miles: 478.90

Agua Dulce (454.4, 2530) to San Francisquito Canyon Road (478.6, 3385) ascent (4560) descent (3517)

I am totally spent. Dave gave us a ride after we arranged for my dad to pick up some of our Sierra stuff, and food for beyond Highway 138 (on Wednesday). We started hiking with heavy packs and moved like slugs as we traveled down a lengthy road walk. Fortunately trail angels Dean & Daniel had offered to meet us at Bouquet Canyon Road which allowed us to only carry three liters of water versus six. When we met them we not only got water but juice, soda & chips. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

We hiked on a long way and found more magic as we rounded a corner in the heavy chaparral to find the Casa Oasis. Complete with a plastic skeleton and a pink flamingo, eccentric and lovable Joe & Terry Anderson have carved out a tunnel in the vegetation where we found chairs, soda & beer on ice and a trash can. As we were scratching our head while enjoying a soda (beer for Weed), in walks Joe Anderson. We had a fun time joking around and talking about the trail. We were caught in the vortex and did not leave until 4 pm with another 7 miles to water. Those were really tough miles.

When we got to the road, Terry found us and offered us an all you can eat dinner and breakfast at the Casa de Luna. We were tempted, but want to ensure we get out early for our planned 25 miles tomorrow. I hope I recover over night as I am totally exhausted. My stomach has been acting up a lot and that is taking a physical but more significantly a mental toll. I got a message to Liz to try and reach the nutritionist I was working with to prior to the hike in an attempt to try some nutritional options that may help.

Destination: Agua Dulce

Starting Location: Agua Dulce

Today’s Miles: 0.00

Trip Miles: 454.70

Agua Dulce – Zero

Had a really nice day at Hiker Heaven and enjoyed cookie after cookie that my mom, sister Sheri, nephew Ryan and snow shoeing marvel Cathy baked and sent to us. After we had our fill & reserved some for hiking tomorrow, we put them out and watched the feeding frenzy.

Our buddy Dave Fleischman, who is the section D & E PCT volunteer maintenance chief, helped us out immensely during our Agua Dulce stay. He shuttled us around to secure supplies and took Cadence on a work party to hopefully show her down as we go forward.

We enjoyed our second BBQ and understood why it can be hard to leave.

Destination: Agua Dulce

Starting Location: Agua Dulce

Today’s Miles: 0.00

Trip Miles: 454.70

Agua Dulce – Zero

Had a really nice day at Hiker Heaven and enjoyed cookie after cookie that my mom, sister Sheri, nephew Ryan and snow shoeing marvel Cathy baked and sent to us. After we had our fill & reserved some for hiking tomorrow, we put them out and watched the feeding frenzy.

Our buddy Dave Fleischman, who is the section D & E PCT volunteer maintenance chief, helped us out immensely during our Agua Dulce stay. He shuttled us around to secure supplies and took Cadence on a work party to hopefully show her down as we go forward.

We enjoyed our second BBQ and understood why it can be hard to leave.

Destination: Agua Dulce

Starting Location: Mattox Creek

Today’s Miles: 14.20

Trip Miles: 454.70

Mattox Creek (440.2, 2685) to Agua Dulce (454.4, 2530) ascent (2346) descent (2556)

Happy Birthday Lucky Liz!

A few miles of hiking and I felt great and happy to be alive. I took about 50 pictures and cruised into Agua Dulce and the Saufley’s “Hiker Heaaven”. It is hard to describe the hospitality of Jeff and Donna and the comfortable atmosphere they have created. Bicycles & cars, showers & shoes, beds & cots, BBQ & friends…amazing.

Donna got a Mohawk in preparation for her JMT hike, and we all sang happy birthday to Lucky Liz and enjoyed a wonderful evening with our hiker community

Destination: Mattox Creek

Starting Location: Mill Creek Summit Ranger Station

Today’s Miles: 21.50

Trip Miles: 440.50

Mill Creek Summit Ranger Station (418.7, 4910) to Mattox Creek (440.2, 2685) ascent (3045) descent (5256)

I am writing this entry after the fact because May 26th ended fine but was pretty scary around 6:00 p.m. After a long but relatively uneventful day we decided to camp at Mattox Creek. Coastal moisture was moving in so we decided to set up our tents. During the process I noticed some ants in the area but was not concerned as we had been coexisting for a month. These ants, however, were unhappy with our camp selection and they bit/stung me seven times. I was not concerned and continued with my evening chores until I started getting a nauseous headache and the stings began to swell. I could tell I was having an allergic reaction so I took two benadryl and forgot about it.

When dinner came around I commented that I was really hot, and Liz noticed I was turning red from the chest up. Two minutes later my head went completely foggy, my vision blurred and I got nauseous. I took a big breath and told Liz to get my epi-pen (synthetic adrenaline) because “I am going fast”. Then I had a clear thought that I was going to die. The next thought was “you have to be !@&*! kidding me”. Then I went black. Next thing I remember was the team getting ready to inject and Liz wondering if they should remove my pants. Then I felt the benadryl kick in and started focusing on controlling my breathing and told them to hold off on the injection. Ten minutes later I was sitting up but I started shaking violently with chills. With help, I got into my sleeping bag, took another benadryl and tried to relax. Liz gave me a bagel to eat and the sting started to burn like a branding iron. I fell asleep in about an hour and when I woke up the next morning I felt as if I got hit by a bus. But Mattox Creek was not meant to be my final destination.

Destination: Mattox Creek

Starting Location: Mill Creek Summit Ranger Station

Today’s Miles: 21.50

Trip Miles: 440.50

Mill Creek Summit Ranger Station (418.7, 4910) to Mattox Creek (440.2, 2685) ascent (3045) descent (5256)

I am writing this entry after the fact because May 26th ended fine but was pretty scary around 6:00 p.m. After a long but relatively uneventful day we decided to camp at Mattox Creek. Coastal moisture was moving in so we decided to set up our tents. During the process I noticed some ants in the area but was not concerned as we had been coexisting for a month. These ants, however, were unhappy with our camp selection and they bit/stung me seven times. I was not concerned and continued with my evening chores until I started getting a nauseous headache and the stings began to swell. I could tell I was having an allergic reaction so I took two benadryl and forgot about it.

When dinner came around I commented that I was really hot, and Liz noticed I was turning red from the chest up. Two minutes later my head went completely foggy, my vision blurred and I got nauseous. I took a big breath and told Liz to get my epi-pen (synthetic adrenaline) because “I am going fast”. Then I had a clear thought that I was going to die. The next thought was “you have to be !@&*! kidding me”. Then I went black. Next thing I remember was the team getting ready to inject and Liz wondering if they should remove my pants. Then I felt the benadryl kick in and started focusing on controlling my breathing and told them to hold off on the injection. Ten minutes later I was sitting up but I started shaking violently with chills. With help, I got into my sleeping bag, took another benadryl and tried to relax. Liz gave me a bagel to eat and the sting started to burn like a branding iron. I fell asleep in about an hour and when I woke up the next morning I felt as if I got hit by a bus. But Mattox Creek was not meant to be my final destination.

Destination: Mill Creek Summit Ranger Station

Starting Location: Camp Glenwood

Today’s Miles: 18.00

Trip Miles: 419.00

Camp Glenwood (400.7, 6400) to Mill Creek Summit Ranger Station (418.7, 4910)

Today we did our first 10 x 10 (10 miles by 10 a.m.) and loved the strategy. We were walking at 5:45 a.m. and before we knew it we had completed half our daily mileage. Our spirits were high and we were able to put yesterday behind us. We reached our destination at 2 pm and have been lying under the pines all afternoon. We contemplated going on but a water strategy suggested a 22 tomorrow and then 14 into the Saufleys at Agua Dulce. As we laid around the hikers kept pouring in and there are about 15 of us here now. Everyone here is setting up for Agua Dulce for Memorial Day weekend.

While laying here a hummingbird kept flying really close and we finally realized that a baby bird was lying in the grass. It was very small and had likely fallen out of its nest. We moved away but it was clear the bird would perish within a few hours. It is just biology but it was hard not to join the group and strategize on how to save the bird.

Yesterday gave me a good reality check on how the mental game can screw up your hike. It was so easy to get into a bad place, and that thinking was wreak havoc on your physical abilities as well as creating a “why am I here” thought process. I am glad I experienced this feeling early and really glad I got over it quickly. This allowed me to look at it objectively and compartmentalize the memory. Hopefully I will be able to draw on that in the future and help maintain context and remember to not make major decisions when in that place.

Photos have finally been posted. Hope you enjoy.

Destination: Mill Creek Summit Ranger Station

Starting Location: Camp Glenwood

Today’s Miles: 18.00

Trip Miles: 419.00

Camp Glenwood (400.7, 6400) to Mill Creek Summit Ranger Station (418.7, 4910)

Today we did our first 10 x 10 (10 miles by 10 a.m.) and loved the strategy. We were walking at 5:45 a.m. and before we knew it we had completed half our daily mileage. Our spirits were high and we were able to put yesterday behind us. We reached our destination at 2 pm and have been lying under the pines all afternoon. We contemplated going on but a water strategy suggested a 22 tomorrow and then 14 into the Saufleys at Agua Dulce. As we laid around the hikers kept pouring in and there are about 15 of us here now. Everyone here is setting up for Agua Dulce for Memorial Day weekend.

While laying here a hummingbird kept flying really close and we finally realized that a baby bird was lying in the grass. It was very small and had likely fallen out of its nest. We moved away but it was clear the bird would perish within a few hours. It is just biology but it was hard not to join the group and strategize on how to save the bird.

Yesterday gave me a good reality check on how the mental game can screw up your hike. It was so easy to get into a bad place, and that thinking was wreak havoc on your physical abilities as well as creating a “why am I here” thought process. I am glad I experienced this feeling early and really glad I got over it quickly. This allowed me to look at it objectively and compartmentalize the memory. Hopefully I will be able to draw on that in the future and help maintain context and remember to not make major decisions when in that place.

Photos have finally been posted. Hope you enjoy.