Jammin' with Jameson

18.5 miles. I set up camp on a super shitty slanted spot so I had to sleep in uncomfortable positions to keep from not sliding sideways, but overall slept alright. I started in the morning and enjoyed the feeling of hiking alone again for the first time in a few days. The company and community has been my favorite part of the trail so far, but I also think I will need to test to find the right balance with solitude. When I got water from the only water source from the day, it was a beautiful mini waterfall that was freezing cold. Unfortunately, that also meant I got freezing while filling up many water bottles and drinking as much as I could, what we call “cameling up”. I kept going into the woods and was very happy to be hiking in the forest for the good shade and lower temperatures. I hiked to podcasts dissecting the music of Childish Gambino, Kanye West, and Frank Ocean and felt pretty good. I passed by Glowstick, Josh, and a few other hikers who had all passed out at a campground for a mid day siesta, but kept going to get a few more miles before the afternoon heat really kicked in. I immediately realized I should’ve taken a photo of them splayed out everywhere as soon as I left them – next time! After lunch, I kept going to try to find a better shaded spot and kicked myself in the butt as I had descended past the forest into the stinky pooey desert again. The sun was right overhead and I had the choices of heat loving boulders and small bushes. I pushed on in the hopes of something better and escaped into the tiny overhung bush that I found. During this time, I did the final steps of transformation for my sun burnt lips and peeled off the last bits of dry skin to create two hardened horns on my lips – I was holding true to my rule of staying hot on the trail well. After 40 minutes of rest, Josh, Glowstick, and Payless made it to me and joined in the shade. We all relaxed together and had a nice siesta. Around 4:30 we left to do the final miles to our campsite and we’re joined by Swell and Flo after we took a water and skittles break. We had only 3 miles left to mile 200 and were psyched to have a dance party at the trail marker. As things go when your tired, the 3 miles felt like it took forever but we were rewarded with great views and some tired hiker dancing to Tik Tok (by Kesha, not to be confused with the crappy app). After this, the real excitement started! I was hiking ahead and all of a sudden felt something on my side. After feeling it with my hands, I suspected it was a tick and stopped immediately. My suspicions were confirmed and young Leonardo was chilling on my side tummy. Glowstick was able to pluck the stubborn bugger out with some tweezers. Within 5 minutes, Josh and I were hiking in front and all of a sudden we heard a massive rattle from a rattlesnake coiled up right on trail. We both instinctively jumped back and had a massive adrenaline rush at the site. We tried to wait it out and then throw rocks near it to shoo it away, but it was standing it’s ground firmly. We decided to hike up and over it and make the final few minutes to camp. At camp, Glowstick knocked over his entire pot of rice, I made custom camp shoes from insoles and duct tape (ultralight!), and Swell and I did our daily yoga. The nightly yoga and leg/feet stretches have been a game changer and wonderful routine. I’m glad that my body felt much better and I’m excited for a refreshing weekend in big bear and to celebrate Swell’s birthday tomorrow.