Campsite below Olancha Peak (mile 725) to Campsite at mile 739
I wake to the crunching of boots heading down the trail. The sun is already up and warming the tent. 7am. For some this might as well be hiker noon, like the person we camped near last night who was already in bed and asleep by the time we got into camp at 6pm. But for us it’s close to our normal wakeup time, and on this cool breezy morning I let Keith snooze even longer while I read. Content to let the sun cast dappled shadows across the tent walls and listen to morning hikers trek past.
This section we’re taking it easy. What could have been a three day jaunt we’re stretching into four. It feels necessary after the least restful zero day ever at Grumpy Bears. After all, a large part of my desire to hike the PCT was to enjoy myself. To relax and drink in nature through the simple act of walking each day.
With only 14 miles on the agenda for today I turn off the part of my brain that’s always chatting ‘go, go, go’ and when Keith finally wakes I propose Saturday morning cartoons. Though, it’s actually a Thursday. Saturday morning cartoons is our code for a leisurely morning, breakfast in bed, and a late start. I make myself a cup of coffee, using the steam to gently warm the gluten free stroopwaffle my sister sent me all the way from Europe – it feels deliriously luxurious. Meanwhile Keith cues up the movie we didn’t finish last night, and we snuggle down in our quilts together. I can hear more hikers going past and I vaguely wonder what they make of the laughter coming from our tent.
By the time we start hiking is after 11am and we have the trail to ourselves. We amuse ourselves by pointing out faces and shapes in the strange rock formations that we’ll walk past all day. Each one looking like a creation from Walt Disney himself. And by making up alternate lyrics to “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi.
Whoa, we’re half way there
Who-oh pigeon on a bear
Whoa, we’re half way there
Who-oh chocolate covered pear
Whoa, we’re half way there
Who-oh haven’t cut my hair
It’s a small miracle we don’t asphyxiate in the thin air.
I love this. Life is about the journey, not the destination. I am glad you’re enjoying the moments of each day!