Today was long. I feel like my posts are going to get boring now because all we really do now is walk. I headed out early today around 4am in the fog/mist. The only thing I could see was right in front of me, illuminated by my slowly dying headlamp. I must admit, I was a little spooked out there all by myself and wished I would've waited till it was lighter outside but I had already started packing up. I followed a sign that said "H20 and shade" with an arrow pointing into a pathway off trail. It spit me out on Chihuahua Valley Rd, which I heard it was our last water source for the next 23 miles.

I walked up to these two huge water tanks with writing and notes over it. One of the signs said to go to Mike's for a zero/nero. I had heard a bunch of hikers went to his house last night for pizza, I wish I had known. Mike has this shack type property with random things all in his yard. Lawn chairs, tables, steps made out of tires, pretty much like a junk yard, etc. Turns out a few people slept in a trailer outside or out on the porch. I was green with envy because I was currently carrying my soaked tent and sleeping bag with wet shoes and frozen toes. As much as I wanted to stay there for breakfast and hang out, I was already freezing/wet and if I didn't get moving, I'd be frozen.

So I headed off the rest of the day in light mist and wind. My feet were mainly soaked but I got to bust out my poncho. It's pretty awesome except when I have to put it on myself. It's tricky because I need help pulling it over my pack but I figured out a way to squeeze it on when no one is around. I wasn't able to take my first break until mile 9. I was trying to find a good spot but it was so wet. I kept waiting for the sun to stick so I could dry all my stuff but it never did. I just wanted to get to my stopping point and dry out.

I feel like as least once a day, someone recognizes me from either: REI, my blog, Instagram, Zpacks or the PCT fb page. It's kind of embarrassing sometimes because these random people know what I look like and things about me. I mean, don't get me wrong. I think technology is awesome with connecting people together, it's just weird to me sometimes. But it's cool that I can finally meet some of these people in person.

I would've taken a longer siesta but I just never found a comfy spot, so all my breaks were pretty quick. My feet were hurting pretty bad as I stumbled into my last three miles at 140 and found this little ditch to set up. It's a bit windy but shouldn't be as crazy as a few days ago. I always love getting to camp early because I have so much rest time and light before it's bedtime. The sun ended up coming in and out by my site so my tent was able to dry out. I think this is first night I will camp solo. All the other nights have had people right next to me, so this will be nice. I am finally warm and dry with the sun peeking through my tent. I forget how much important sun is when you're thru-hiking. The wind is starting to pick up. I hope it's not another 70mph wind night. I don't want my tent to collapse on me. I only have 11 miles tomorrow until Paradise Valley Cafe. I've heard they have the best burgers.