August 9, 2012 - A Peek at the Good Life

Day 54
Just off Hwy 140, near Fish Lake Resort
Elev: 5200
Miles: 27
Trip: 932

A morning in the glamorous life of a Thru-Hiker...

5:45 am - Wake up under dawn sky. Sit up and look around blearily for 5-7 minutes. Still groggy from being jolted from sleep four hours earlier by giant ant chomping on my shoulder. Sleeping without tent is overrated.
5:55 am - Dress and pack as much as possible without emerging completely from sleeping bag. Comment  to hiking partner on yet another amazing sunrise, inquire after quality of his sleep and offer thoughts on upcoming terrain. Pass copious and loud gas - no longer embarrassing, merely an amusing and smelly part of life. Sleeping without a tent does have some advantages.
6:15 am - Heave pack off of ground cloth, pack sleeping bag and evaluate possible bathroom sites. After making sure to choose a tree/bush far from the trail (no matter how early it is - dawn hikers can ruin a relaxing morning pee), get prepped for breakfast.
6:30 am - Pour into pot one trail baggie of granola, nuts and protein powder. Add instant coffee and enough water to moisten. Eat with relish (unless protein powder is of the strawberry variety - then eat with resignation). Rinse pot and drink rinse water. Brush teeth - swallow.
6:50 am - Remove excess layers of clothing, check that pockets contain day's supply of candy, maps and knife. Pack remaining gear and hoist pack on back, wondering how much of said gear I could live without for the sake of a lighter pack.
7:00 am - Hike on, adjusting pack straps for at least 45 minutes before settling into the hiking groove.

Shaggy says:

    I don't think sleeping under the stars is for us. We tried again last night, but between the mosquitoes and ants, we did not sleep much. I was exhausted when it was time to get up, Lauren said the same.
   The miles went by slowly and fast at the same time. We hiked over 27 miles somehow. Only saw 5 other hikers today.
   My back was killing me at the end of the day, but Lauren gave me a back rub, how lucky am I?
   I have carried 4 beers that I bought for Lauren's birthday, over 120 miles now. We have been taking medicine for the stomach bug though, and can't drink alcohol until the pills are gone. Tomorrow we will celebrate with a beer at the end of the day. We are both excited to see Crater Lake.
   Wow, I am completely exhausted.