17 milesI could hear other hikers getting around in the morning before I wanted to be awake. Eventually we both sat up and started the morning routine. Topped off water at the cache before rolling out around 7. Hoops was still around, but took off while we filled up. We expected the same misty, shaded morning we had yesterday, but instead it only stayed shaded for a few miles before we were up above the clouds and in full sun. The views were great all day because of the way the clouds settled into the valley we hiked yesterday. We caught up to the whole group from last night while they were stopped for a break. The break was for snacks and booking rooms for the resupply in Wrightwood. It also seems that half the group is switching from taking a nero and a zero, to just a nero. We’re old, so sticking with the nero + zero. 5 miles tomorrow morning and then a hitch from Highway 2. We’ve heard that the road is closed, and we’ve heard it’s only partially closed. There may still be chances at getting a hitch, so we’re gonna try it. My trekking pole finally gave up on the bent tip so I will have to figure out some replacement tips in Wrightwood or maybe further up the trail/shipped. The metal that housed the tip will just get beaten up in the meantime before I can replace the whole tip. When we got done with the climb up to Huffy Campground, we found Bill Nye, Snowflake, and Flying. They were sticking with the nero + zero. Marie and I went down to get water from the spring, about 200 feet down a steep side trail. On the way I kept getting a stinging sensation near my ribs/back and thought maybe my pack straps were giving me chafe. While Drip was filling her water bottle, I took off my shirt to inspect the chafe only to find that it was some bug that was biting me. Looked like a caterpillar or mealworm thing, but it fell to the ground and I lost it in the duff before I could stomp the hell out of it. That jerk. We had a killer sunset tonight despite the wind that was testing the limits of our tent. It held up well, but we did have to restake a couple that got pulled. Looking forward to some quiet, uninterrupted sleep tomorrow in town.
PCT Hike 