Day 69: mile 1350.3-1367.2
Unable to simply roll over and eat breakfast like my usual lazy self, I grabbed my food bag from the bear box around 7:15. I knew I had to make just over 15 miles today to reach the other side of the Lassen Park boundary. As I relaxed and ate my breakfast, quite a few cars and a big Sysco truck drove through. I’m guessing they’re all getting the Drakesbad Guest Ranch ready for this Friday when they’ll open the doors for the season. Bummed I missed it by a few days, they have a hot springs pool!
Sap, nature’s gum 🤣 
I left around 10, with the goal of 17 miles, but a little piece of me wanted to make it just over 23 to get me into Old Station. No reason really, just seemed like a fun goal. I love when fresh morning me sets “fun” goals that end of the day me doesn’t think are so fun. 😂
I climbed up the hill and the snow began shortly after. Patchy at first, but soon covering the ground. Eight miles didn’t sound too bad considering everything I’d done the past couple hundred miles. …yet somehow it was absolutely brutal. I was moving a little over a mile and hour with navigation and all the fun obstacles.
I’d heard there were two river crossings today; I got to the first and scoped our the best spot to cross. Two huge trees made a fantastic bridge for me. No problem!
I crossed a sturdy snow bridge, avoiding he second over that must’ve been the sketchy crossing. Pat on the back for me.
After making my way through the last area where one can pick her own adventure I finally got to some tracks, yes! This saved some time on navigation.
The patchy snow returned, then the snow disappeared all together. Just as I put on dry socks and started hauling it, I reached water I couldn’t get around. Bah! So mean of you trail. Off went my shoes and socks and on went my sandals. Total pain, but at least the cool water felt good on my feet and mosquito bites, silver lining.
Off I went again, only now not feeling so hot. My stomach felt nauseous, I felt tired, and my pack felt heavy. This stretch out of Chester has been rough on me. Forced to make it past the boundary I pushed on.
I turned on some music to drown out my negative thoughts and started chugging water. It must’ve worked because when I reached the boundary I ended up doing the additional two miles to the campsite I planned on this morning. It was the most beautiful part of the day, which put me in a good mood. Plus I’d heard I was in for a good sunset at this site. The promise of a great sunset is always a good motivator. Oh how I’ve been missing the sunsets lately.
I set up my tent so I could watch from inside, safe from the mosquitoes that are no doubt lurking around. The sunset was beautiful, but the pictures didn’t do it justice. Feeling better, but exhausted, I’m headed to sleep. Looking forward to my short 6 miles into Old Station to pick up a package and who knows what else!
Needed a shower 
Goodnight!
XOXO Becks