September 16

Distance: 26.1 miles | Ascent: 4500′ | Descent: 4110′

Mile marker: 1498.9

Lunch: J – chili mac (C+), A – taco with tortilla (A)

Dinner: J – Thai peanut noodles (B+), A – Thanksgiving (A)

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We were on a pretty ridge for most of the day. Or many ridges. Or one ridge that undulating around the mountain. Or one mountain that had lots of wrinkles. Or many mountains smooshed together. However it’s defined, it was pretty.

We saw a northbound hiker mopping up (returning to finish) this section. He had already reached the northern terminus but had previously skipped this bit of NorCal. He was kind and encouraging.

Eventually, we reached I-80 and walked under the interstate through a spooky tunnel. A bat flew right into our faces, spooking us both. According to the PCTA, we are now in Central California!

We arrived at camp in the dark again. These shorter days are starting to be a different kind of challenge. The sun hangs lower in the sky and blinds us when we’re walking into it both morning and evening. And, it’s just difficult to hit the distance we need to in the daylight we have. This stretch should be some of the longest planned days, but as the days get shorter, even hitting 22 miles in daylight might be a challenge. Thankfully, we have our headlamps and don’t mind a bit of nighttime walking. Just a bit. For now. The trees are spooky at night…