Today we woke in the cabin. I was feeling miserable and definitely didn’t sleep enough. My arch in my right foot felt tight and my heels felt awful. None of this pain is anything I haven’t had but it was clear to me I needed a zero. Thankfully I have one coming up on Saturday with my cousin.

We got a ride from Grumpy and started to devils slide trail. It was long and steep and I felt very tired but made it in good time. The climbs today felt the hardest yet but I think I’m just tired. I hiked mostly with Boujee today as our chats passed the time. It’s nice to get to know someone on trail. We stopped at the one water source and the last for about 19 miles and had lunch and filled up 4 liters. After that the climbs up and down both felt horrible. My body was too tired and it was hot and I swear I went less than 2 mph. The hot rocky landscape changed dramatically as I went over the crest and onto the north face of the mountain. There was lots of snow and the air was cool and damp. There were lots of tall pines and it reminded me very much of Oregon. I could see down to the I-10 where Rocket and I had driven almost 3 weeks ago. It feels like much longer.

I made it to a dirt road around 5 and was met with trail magic. Soda and tortillas and cheese and all sorts. I don’t drink soda and never have but I grabbed myself a cactus cooler and drank it down with a few cheesy tortillas. Boujee and I decided to stop here for the night and I’m so glad we did. Thin Mint came shortly and then the whole gang. Katie, now Speed Goat, Herb, Crusher, ShitKicker, Iron and a few others arrived. It was nice to see everyone. I feel sad that I’m going to take a couple zeros and lose this group but I know I’ll bounce back when I’m rested up and will catch them all again.

A few of us sat and made dinner. I laid and meditated for a bit since my tinnitus has been stressing me out since it’s a lot worse than it ever has been before. The meditation helped me relax. I’m in my tent and it’s cool out and I’m looking forward to a warm nights sleep.