Day 102:
Hiking strong today. Feels good to be back on trail – finding my groove again.
Didn’t see many people, just some day hikers. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen any NOBOS (Northbound hikers) in a while. The trail register I signed showed that three passed by today – maybe I can catch up. The terrain is as flat as its been, so I have a chance if I hustle.
Soon after stopping at a BEAUTIFUL lake for a couple of liters, I entered a burn area, and I mean this placed was scorched at some point. Acres and acres of burnt trees as far as I could see, and it made me feel horrible. I felt a deep sense of loss for this place. The trees are so dense that I know at some point it must have been lush and green and full – and now its just a dead zone (or at least it feels like one). Am I feeling so connected because I’ve been on trail this long and its pretty much my home? Or because the preservation of these wild places have become more important to me? Or because objectively, its a tragedy when there was once a beautiful place that’s now destroyed? For whatever reason, I feel it, and it’s sad. I guess the silver lining is that I care, and I like that. I like that it matters to me. Another positive is that every once in a while, I saw little pine trees growing among the dead ones – those little guys were inspiring.
At some point, it got dark, and a little creepy, so I decided to set up camp. Glad I did, because it was a full moon, and you know that means the crazies are out.
22 miles today.
H20 Heaven:
Burn:
The little ones:
Me!
Sunset:
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Day 103:
No water to spare, so I’m going with the Cliff bar breakfast – yum… Putting in my headphones and hiking hard – 2 miles to the creek. After that, the next stop was Old Station Fill Up, where I bought soda and candy and… some more water.
WHY? WHY IS IT SO HOT? This feels just like the Southern California Desert. Didn’t I do this already? Taking breaks in every shade hole I can find.
At the end of the day there was a very steep side trail to get to water. I set up camp with Bree (SOBO) and Glen (NOBO). After a very late dinner, I went to sleep.
19 miles.
Refreshing Creek:
The Desert:
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Day 104:
I left camp last in the morning, of course…
Pretty hot early on in the day – so glad I have an umbrella. And not so much water around until…. CACHE 22!! Amazing trail angels stocked this place up with water and snacks – THIS IS AWESOME!!!
Met some new hikers today: Autumn Leaves, the first thru hiking SOBO I came across – he started on June 16th (and its August 18th, so he’s doing great!). And Blur, a really fast NOBO (who didn’t care to stop and chat).
Its freaking hot today, which results in a constant state of being exhausted and thirsty. But then, the sweet relief of finding water – ain’t nothing better than that, let me tell you.
Decided to set up camp a little earlier than usual tonight. I am resupplying tomorrow, plus I already made 20 miles. Good enough for me.
21 miles today.
CACHE 22:
High Desert:
Kickin’ it:
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Day 105:
Hiked out to Burney Mountain Guest Ranch. When I declined some free homemade ice cream from the owner, I explained it was because I kept kosher. This sparked a really interesting conversation where I learned that she lived with Orthodox Jews while in college. How cool! (no ice cream related pun intended).
After lunch, I hiked out… in the heat of the day. BUT, I was saved with some more TRAIL MAGIC at the Wild Bird Cache.
Eventually, the combination of feeling dehydrated and a new kind of foot pain persuaded me to set up camp. Im done.
12 miles today.
MAGIC:
Making Progress:
ITS HOT:
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Day 106:
REST DAY – eat, sleep, and play with the tennis ball I brought to roll out my sore feet (You would be surprised how many hours I was entertained by this).
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No video
maxontrack 
but of course ,we knew you could do it,you always had a great will to acomplish anything you do,and here is the great way to show it.Max you are a great example for others to follow .;
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