CS1187.0 to CS1209.3 (1187.0 to 1209.3) + 3 miles round trip to Sierra City
Daily miles: 25.3
A mile short of a marathon does not a marathon make, so the streak ends. I spent 3 hours on my town excursion, which hurt my chances. Plus I ate something called a “Gutbuster” and then took off for the big climb. Which, I should know better than to eat a 1 pound cheeseburger covered in mayo and then head out in the heat of the day to walk up a 3000 foot piece of trail. But food, in addition to being a premium resource out here, is also the greatest physical comfort afforded to us. At least, that’s how it is with me. Which is why I spend most of the late afternoon wondering if I’ll be able to fit dinner and a candy bar inside me later on.
So then, the hike is out over the Sierra Buttes. Up and out of the valley, green with trees, turning the town to toy houses. Deep valleys, rocky talus trail, tiny little lakes, ridge-walking. Wind enough to make me take my cap off, but not strong enough to drive me insane.
A spot in the woods is home tonight, as it holds a warm pond full of reeds and algae-tasting water. I use it to cook a dinner (of course I ate dinner, and was there ever a doubt.. ) of rice and vegetables. I listen to music and watch the moss grow on the sides of the trees, which is as a fine pastime a person could ask for in my opinion, naturally.
tcmauer 