April 11, 2022

Hiked a little over 7 miles today to Blue Mountain Shelter. The beginning was an easy break with nice gradual inclines and declines. We took a little snack break on a mountainside with Buttercup. On the final push for the day, there were lots of rocks on the incline up to the shelter. I was feeling it by then. It was a welcome treat to get to camp and set up extra early.

After setting up our hammocks, we had dinner and hung our food up on the bear cables. Then we got to play cards and listen to some music up on top of a mountain with nearly 360° views through the sparse trees. We also enjoyed a bonfire for a little while that someone built. I met a woman whose trail name is Lone Wolf. She already completed the Continental Divide and Pacific Crest trails and was here working on her triple crown. She's the second person we've met so far who was on their last of the three. Perhaps someday I'll triple crown too. I'm starting somewhere!

Lone Wolf gave me a special blister bandage she learned about on another trail from a nurse that was out hiking. It should stay on my toe for a week and fingers crossed it heals up! It has made the miles harder, so fixing that would help a lot. It's pretty windy up here on top of the mountain, so hopefully I'll be able to stay warm tonight! Last night was the best sleep I've had so far and I'd like to continue that trend!