Mt Adams

The second day’s 10 miles were far more manageable than day one’s 4 miles.

Gorgeous views of Adams and brisk cold milky streams of glacial run off punctuated endlessly populated wildflower meadows and wild flowered ridge lines and flowering mountain marshland. 

I started the day with a dry breakfast of pop tarts and a protein bar.  Pop tarts are a new addition for me, always hated the idea of how heavy and crumbly they are but novelty is what gets my food down best and I’m already struggling with eating enough.

I munched a melted kit kat before lunch and then passed on several beautiful tent sites and streams while looking for a spot to rest after getting swarmed by biting flies upon slowing my pace.  By three I was hangry and sore and thirsty and tired so I threw my pack down, snatched my tent out, and hunkered down for a late lunch of tortilla and tuna with pickles and olives.

This meal is a classic for me, I don’t spare on mayonnaise packets and mustard and usually will crunch up some chips or gardettos in there as well. I honestly hate it now, but it used to be beloved and when I’ve gotten too hungry to cook it hits all my basic needs so it remains a staple.

I round out the calorie load with a peanut butter packet once back on trail but first I take a short nap in my fortress against the insects and then I head off to meet Caiti about a mile on down the trail where we opt to set up camp together in anticipation of our first river crossing. 

I backtrack to a stream crossing and wash some laundry in the silty bubbling water and scrape at the dirt compacted on my feet and ankles.

It’s hard that it’s hard.  It’s hard that I’m still sad and distracted.  My first desert miles I remember as abundantly joyful and surprisingly easy.  They really set the bar unreasonably high. 

Looking at the trail ahead and the miles we’ll need to do to make it through with enough food… I also know my leisurely and restful stroll through most of Oregon sets an unreasonable precedent. 

What will my Washington miles be?  Rewarding but hard work?  … ugggghhhhhhh. 

I’m trying to take care of myself and set my routines and practices back up so that I’m ready when I meet something to push through.

I start to catch myself overextend my legs to climb, and I’m mindful of my foot falls and where the impact travels through my body.  I slow down and pay attention when I start to kick up dirt or sticks. My body can only do this if I take care of it.

Wash and massage feet and knees.

Bars and snacks and chips if I can’t bring myself to cook a meal.

Brush out my hair.

Drink water.

Stretch.

Rest.

Blake x Boomhauer