Today was pretty tough. Just 8 solid miles of climbing today. I'm writing this from the top bunk of a 14 person shelter. I'm sitting one empty sleeping pad away from Megamind (named because he brought a rubix cube and a bunch of books). He just informed me that the first mouse has already been seen, so we all have to stash our stuff so they don't chew it up. The night begins with a squeak.
This morning Mr. Fantastic and I ate our breakfasts back down at the NOC to watch the rapids. I also went into the gear shop and picked up some camp flip flops, and a new water bottle that my steripen will fit into. In the shop was a scale to weigh gear, and currently with a full pack (food and water) I'm at 30lbs. Mr. Fantastic is at 42, and he's not too happy about that number. He's going to try and shed a few pounds of gear.
Once back on the trail it headed straight up. I no longer wheeze my way up mountains, and I no longer have waves of itchy sweat. I do however still exhaust the muscles in my legs and feet. Today was a marathon of exhausting my legs, but the plus of heading up is that you don't hurt your joints.
I made it to the shelter around 2pm, preceded by Mr. Fantastic, Barabus, and Waldo. Soon followed by Tea is Ready, Dick Flap, Megamind, Queen Bee, Tapeworm, Hansil, etc. Suffice it to say I don't remember every single trail name. It got quite crowded up here, as the climb kicked everyone's ass.
We all lounged, and boy was I glad for the flip flops. Letting my shoes dry, rinsing out my socks, and stretching my feet; not just for sitting in the tent anymore.
The conversations have been wildly varied tonight with all of the similar but different personalities. That's normal, but more noticeable with this many people.
At the moment there's a heated conversation about food going on, Today by Smashing Pumpkins playing on someone's solar radio, people furiously journaling, and deep map analysis going on. Just another night on the trail. Tomorrow is a little over 15 miles, and we're all aiming for the same shelter. After what we're all calling "The longest 7 miles on the trail", tomorrow should bring a refreshing amount of strength. The more we tear our bodies down, the more we rebuild ourselves as hikers. It's great to sit around a fire with a group of people who are all feeling that, and reveling in how badass we feel.
Now I'll listen to some music and cinch my mummy bag tight in the hope that no mouse tries to join me. Wish me luck.
