Another Flat-Footed Adventure: July 27, 2012

Day 41
Logging area near Gold Creek
Elev: 5400 ft
Miles: 26
Trip: 777

The Olympics kicked off today. I always loved watching the opening ceremony - it was so mind-blowing in Tokyo. It's things like that, landmark events like the Olympics, that I actually do miss out here. The next time the summer Olympics happen, I'll be turning 34! But if I have the chance to thru-hike that year, I'll be happy to miss the Games again. Nothing on TV is as exciting and fulfilling as being out here.

Example: I almost stepped on a rattlesnake this morning! He was just off the trail and my footstep fell a few inches from his coiled body. It was more thrilling than scary, after I realized I wasn't facing a fully-charged, angry snake. He didn't even rattle - probably still morning-sluggish. Then, this evening, a raptor swooped down through a gap in the forest canopy, flew right along the trail, then pulled back up just ten yards in front of me I felt the same reverence I'd felt for the nighthawk; the word majestic came to mind. The bird looked like a hawk, but flew so silently through the trees, maybe it was an owl. Anyway, these riveting brushes with predators are way better than watching gymnastics.

Our plan for the next week is gradually solidifying. We'll reach Dunsmire, CA, on Sunday evening (earlier if we can do more miles tomorrow - maybe my first 30?) then catch a ride to Mt. Shasta where we'll take a very busy zero (no miles hiked) day. Outfitter shopping, food resupply, putting together maildrops (boxes of food to send ahead) and a birthday celebration - all in one day. No wonder we never get much rest in town; there's too much to do!

"We fail far more often by timidity than by daring."

Shaggy says:

Before we started this hike, a lot of folks reminded us of the dangers of embarking on an expedition like this. I have heard it before every long hike. They say to take bear spray, ask if I am worried about bears, snakes, giardia, lymes disease, West Nile, dehydration, sun burn, cliffs, rocks, and rabid animals. I have learned to listen to the concerns, but also let them know that I can handle things okay. My rule is to simply not get myself into a situation I can't get out of.
A little known fact about hiking is that it is much more likely that a person will get injured while in a car on the way to the trailhead. Not much out here can compare to the dangers of moving at 75 miles per an hour in a large chunk of metal, surrounded by other vehicles doing the same. Nope, 2.5 miles per hour is pretty safe, biggest risk is probably a stress fracture. Like the one I received on the Appalachian Trail in 2004. The doctor said I had walked too much. Painfuul, but after two weeks and the help of family driving me to Maine, I was back on the trail.
But honestly, I think I should worry more about my family and friends in the other world. They have to drive everyday! They have stresses that I know little about, mortgages, car loans, and work! My biggest stress is staying healthy and eating enough to do that.
We did have an encounter with a rattlesnake today, first one on the trail. Lauren walked right past it, jumped just as she saw him, 4" from her right leg. I watched as his head followed her leg. This was not an agressive snake, he quickly retreated to the nearby shrubs. It was exciting and scary at the same time. Had she kicked the snake or hit him with her pole, it may have snapped at her. Glad we made it through!
We had a great day though. A little cooler than yesteerday, and the views of Mt Shasta have been spectacular. Though this section is a bit monotonous, it has proven to be better than people had warned us about. I think the worse sections of the PCT may still be better than the best of the AT. Life is good, and we feel alive!
Lauren even gave me a foot rub tonight, as my new shoes are so uncomfortable. Very sweet, how am I so lucky?