I’m gonna make this short. Today was hard. I walked through the worst of the burn taking several detours and several side trips for water. By the end of the day I was exhausted.
The Good
I did not bonk hard. I kept my feet moving even when I was exhausted. I drank from two amazingly refreshing wilderness springs. I started on time after sleeping well, the Middle Fork of the Feather River whispering in my ear all night. I briefly got cell service, so I called Patti. She was busier than a one-armed paper hanger serving breakfast at the parish. She had no time to talk. I had to smile at her happy busyness.
The Bad
I can barely eat so I wash down all my food with water or rehydrated milk. The only things that taste good are cold beverages. I am short of breath (no surprise there) on ascents. I met not one single hiker all day. Nobody. I think many people skipped hiking this section.
The Ugly
My nose bleeds from the dry air. It is unseasonably hot. I stink bad. I walked 48,800 steps today for a total of 23 miles. My mapping program says I hiked 17 on-trail miles. That has to be a record for inefficiency.
The Takeaway
I am not having a bad time. I know things will get better. I am not disappointed or sad. I only wish I weren’t so human. I want to be a trail-hardened beast now! I will be in six weeks. Stay tuned.
August 10, 2025
New temporary trail name: Burning Man
Way to push through. You will be trail hardened sooon!
I have followed your wanderings over the past few years. I am 66 today. Corporate lawyer/hiker in Roanoke VA. Will do McAfee Knob tomorrow. Good on ya, Dave. You’re a hero to me. And you have a place to rest if you are ever in this area.
It’s good to hear from you again, David. We are the same age. My daughter lives in Virginia Beach so it’s not out of the question that we might meet some day.
I’d really, really enjoy that. Be well.
Sheesh. Be safe out there, Dave. Sounds ugly.