Wed May 2, 2018 @ 11:13

In the waking world an approaching storm has forced me from the mountain and into Idylwild for shelter and resupply. I have slept the last two nights under picnic benches to ward off the rain, my tent unable to withstand consistent rain. I have relayed the story to too many people and care not to share it again in my precious few moments on a real keyboard. Suffice to say I did not care much for extracting myself from a pool at near freezing weather and continuing to use my wet sleeping quilt. The storm has, and will likely be for some time, the hardest thing to deal with thus far physically. Yesterday was my first day not hiking (called a zero, or zero day, i.e. 0 mile day). I get a bit too anxious to get on down the path. I can't really say why, it's just a need to keep moving despite a mild case of Plantar Fasciitis. Perhaps that is the residual poison of the real world, the anxiety and pressure to do 'something' rather than take what comes and devise a real plan. However, the hiking group I really like seeing at the end of days (I hike alone until AJ catches up to me at the end of the desert) is also in town. They're just good people who have done impressive things. And the thing about the trail is that is really does a fine job of pulling out the better side of people. Of course, some people seem able to resist the tenancy to be kinder, more empathetic, and grateful - but with as much politeness as one can muster they can be largely avoided. This group however, I'm sure are good people even at home. They let me dry my tent in their cabin, bless their hearts. But it is with great sadness I announce a really good dude has departed from the trail due to injury. His departure aside, it'll be a pleasure occasionally bumping this group. Be good, everyone!