Day 84: mile 1586.1-1599.7 (Etna)
My day started at 2 am when I woke up and couldn’t turn my brain off. Service has been terrible the past few days, but I got just enough yesterday to receive a message from a friend who was going through some tough times. Unable to respond, it left me with nothing to do but think and write.
Since I couldn’t go back to sleep, I decided to get an early start. I watched the sun come up and then packed up.
My goodness it was insanely cold out, and it wasn’t because it was 6:30 am. This was you can see your breath, my fingers are going to fall off kind of cold. No joke, I went to zip up my puffy while I was hiking and was unable to because my left hand was no longer functioning properly. The fact I was hiking in a puffy should say it all, I rarely did that even in the snow. Okay, you get it, it was damn cold. 😂 …but it was damn beautiful too!
This section has been one of my favorites. The constant gorgeous views have been such a treat. For example, look at these rocks, how cool are they!?
The rest of the hike was no different, full of beautiful lakes, distant views, and …snow? That’s right! I had forgotten about the stretch of snow toward the end of the trail. I strapped on my microspikes and got it done. Short and sweet and out of the way.
With only 3 miles left, I headed down with a hiker I’d run into the day before. The miles flew by as we got to know each other. We made it to the highway and within minutes we had a ride, ahhhmazing! They were a couple of firefighters out here for wildfire season. Nicest people ever, and it was so fun hearing their story.
We jumped out and thanked them, hit the post office, and then off to get some food and beers with another hiker, Joe Dirt, I had met days before. The three of us stuffed our faces and then I was ready to relax. I stopped off and the store for a few things, then walked down to my hotel. I found my room, and now have no intention of leaving, I am exhausted. This bed is glorious! Cheers everyone, and…
Yes, I chose this because of the label 😂
Goodnight!
XOXO Becks