August 26

Distance: 18.8 | Ascent: 2870′ | Descent: 3240′

Mile marker: 1094

Lunch: J – sausage stuffing (B-), A – chili and rice (B-)

Dinner: J&A – cheeseburgers (A+, A+)

---

Waking up at 4:30 am in a tent isn’t easy. It is a lot easier when there’s a special someone waiting and promise of a real bed. We packed up quickly and quietly to not disturb our campsite neighbors and hiked up our biggest ascent for the day. We saw a massive toad and lots of glowing deer eyes in the forest.

We reached a ridge by sunrise and sat to have our morning coffee.

Today was promising to be an easier day: lower miles and less elevation. It ended up being a beautifully diverse little section of trail. Some burn zones, but nothing too severe. Then, some sparse forest cover. Then, some exposed rocky sections (which felt Colorado-y). Then, some older forests with huge trees and interspersed meadows. A lot of change in such a short distance.

We reached the Highway 3 trailhead and had Jodi (Alex’ mom) waiting for us! We were smelly and dirty but still went in for some hugs and welcomes. Over the past few hours we had both silently wondered if she might bring us a snack, but she went wayyy above and beyond and absolutely nailed the trail angel role! Cheeseburgers, Pop Tarts, veggies, fruit gummies, Chewy bars, fruit juice, Bugles, and more! Jodi took photos as we all hung out near the trailhead for a few minutes, snacking and wandering a small piece of trail together without packs.

We drove down to Etna where Jodi had arranged for us all to stay at a lovely little rental home for at least the next day. Luxuries abound! We showered in a real, clean, well-lit, and untimed shower (no creek rinses!), finally scrubbing all the dirt out from between our toes. Once cleaned up, we grabbed a bite to eat in a neighboring town before crashing on a real bed. We were fairly exhausted after this stretch; the heat wave, the long and steep climbs, and the thunderstorms just wore us down (and maybe the previous 1000 miles we’ve walked in the last 58 days, too).

We have some chores to do in the next day. And, last night, a mouse or something chewed our tent a bit, which will require some patchwork. Very fortunate timing! Some R&R will be appreciated as we try to adapt back into civilized life for a little rejuvenation.