I was so tired last night and didn't get enough sleep. I didn't set alarm but we got packing around 530a. I took one last poop in the real toilet and headed off. We took a side trail that connected back on the pct. It was very steep. I felt SO sleepy all morning like a zombie. The no sleep from the prior night really got to me. We took a ton of breaks. At the last water source before the big climb, we met this family who has come out to join their son while he was thru hiking. It was so cute. They were all suffering through this exposed big climb to support him and I found out they live in Wallingford! So cool to meet people who actually lives in city. They were really fun to talk to.
Rocks that are part of castle crags.
First break time in two months w the golden boy.
Then it was the climb up. It was very exposed and HOT. Sweat dripping everywhere. We stopped on the side of a rock area that was shaded and ended up just doing lunch. I ate my soggy delicious deli sandwich I packed out. After we ate, we took a mini nap on the rock. Somewhat comfy. Getting back up was hard but we had to get up this hill. I passed the family that were setting up for camp and asked to take their photo. Such a fun experience for them so I wanted to get a group pic of them. Our goal campsite was still five miles out but ended up going to the next one since it was getting late.
The precious family that came out to hiker with their son.
Setting up camp in our sweet spot.
It's an exposed site where your views are Shasta to the left and castle crags to your right. So beautiful. The sun was still out so it was hot but I debated on whether to cowboy camp. There were minimal bugs so I felt like this was finally the time. I haven't done it since the desert! I really love being out in the open like this, just not the bugs. I was only afraid of the huge ones that may crawl on me. We did dinner and talked for awhile. I shared my thoughts on my faith and other things I've been dealing with on trail. I like that gb will listen to me and not judge. I missed that about him. We had service so we were also texting Lisa and rusty. I finally took an updated portrait of gb when the light got good. I'm excited to take more of people out here. It's really important to me I think.
We basically did a photo shoot before bed.
Hopefully tonight will be a good rest so we can wake early and refreshed tomorrow. I don't want him to over push his knee but I'd like to do consistent 25s. A bunch of hikers rolled in at night and are now chatting. I need ear plugsssss.
First cowboy camp since the desert times.
Such a nice sunset view.