Woke up this morning to finish the big climb. Didn't wake up super early either. Guess I was tired. It was a slow climb to the top. The water sources are starting to get further and further away from trail and our carries are getting heavier. It feels like the desert again with all the heat and dust in our shoes.

During lunch, I was still trying to debate whether or not to go into Chester to do laundry/shower. I also really want to mail some things home before I get into burney. My body is so itchy, I think I really need to get cleaned and have a small rest. There's a gal named Shelley who follows me on Instagram and she's been reaching out to me if I needed anything when I pass by Chester so I finally sent her a message. Lachlan, the other photog on trail, had also told me he had a great dinner w her when he was in town. He said it was the best meal he's had in months! Shelley was super generous and kind and offered to pick me up from highway, do laundry and shower at their house and spend the night. It is just what I need right now. I'm a little bummed to leave the others but I think I'll be ok on my own. I gotta do what I gotta do. I'll still make it to burney at a decent time to catch up. That's probably the next place I'll actually spend the night. The last town was Tahoe. All of this in and out after a quick resupply can get exhausting.

Late afternoon, we had to stock on water from a 1/3 mile off trail steep side trail. It's so much work having to go off trail for water. It was getting late and I could only make it to the next campsite. I finally got there to find the others already set up! I thought they were going to the next camp but was happy to see them as I am gonna be parting ways w them for the next few days. While we were getting ready for bed, a bunch of deer rolled in and are now frolicking around, eating grass and licking salt off things. Tomorrow we cross the very anticipate halfway point! And then I have 13 miles to Chester. Looking forward to it.

No pics today.