Jammin' with Jameson

17.8 miles. Finding a rhythm. Today felt a lot harder. I wasn’t sure if it was that my body was starting to feel it or it was harder hiking alone without Evan. My back was definitely super tight and there were more moments of exhaustion. The wind was still blowing like crazy so I had to keep my puffy on to stay warm but I was rewarded with amazing views. Today really felt like the crest part of the name lived up to it and I really hope that we continue to be high up on ridge lines like this. Today’s views had many parts of my favorite things about hiking such as being able to see the ridge line you’ll be on far in the distance and knowing that in 4-6 miles you’ll make it all the way over there. We could see everything in the distance including many mountainous ranges and what seemed to finally look like the California desert I had been picturing. One thing I forgot to mention was how surprised I have been by how beautiful the landscape was due to all the flowers from the blooming desert vegetation. There also was plenty of wildlife with lizards scattering away from your approaching footsteps every few minutes. Yesterday I saw a woodpecker that was beautiful with a little red fluff on top and today there were caterpillars ALL over. I met a day hiker who said they were eating the bushes known as Holly Cherries and once I stopped to look at a busy with her we saw at least 50 on one bush alone. Earlier in the day I also stopped and talked to a group of day hikers who had a daughter that was a huge hiker and aspiring to do the PCT one day. She had done 100 peaks in SD county last year and was a few days away from doing the “Cactus to Clouds” hike which is palm springs to summit San Jacinto in one day. I accidentally hiked past my intended water source and hauled ass to the next one. I was exhausted by then and rested for over an hour (but felt like 20 minutes) and downed a lotttt of peanut butter. I talked a group of thrus in their 60s who were impressed with my pack but I was impressed with their ability at that age. The next bit of the day until lunch felt like a breeze and had spectacular views with huge boulders sprinkling the hills. Josie approached as I finished lunch so we hiked together to the next water source and had a great conversation about her intrigue and questions about American politics. I had started late so I had finally caught up with everyone at the final water source of the day and did a few more miles before calling it a day and making camp early. I was unsuccessful at convincing the Germans to camp with me in the valley instead of pushing on another 3 miles to catch sunset up top. Overall very happy with my decision to call it early and get a lot of stretching in that was badly needed. I also had a nice conversation with Cary over dinner who turned out to be a complete badass having coached endurance athletes for 20 years and completed multiple iron man’s. Night time.