Miles 0-100

7 days on trail. Sleeping at mile 115 just north of Warner Springs this evening. It's been a great week. It's no secret I hit the trail in potentially the worst shape of my life. So I wasn't sure how this first week was going to unravel as I made my way north step by step. After 7 days of hiking, I am pretty impressed with myself and how quickly my body is adapting to being back on trail. Sore feet aside, my body feels pretty good. The weather has been about perfect and luckily has stayed away from high temps thus far. While there is quite a bit of exposure most the time, the cooler temps have really aided on my transition back into trail life, and the aches and pains that come with getting into shape out here. If I can keep my core temp low, I am much more capable of quality miles.

After 7 days I am averaging just under 17 miles a day, including a 20 & 24.5 mile day already.

So far the theme of the trail is snakes. Dozens of Garter snakes, a few Gopher snakes, a California King, and a couple Red Diamond Rattlesnakes. Other wildlife sightings include, a couple foxes, cottontails, hundreds of lizards, beetles, and birds.

My media intake has been minimal, but per usual, some older, gritty Black Keys seems to always be the go to tunes for grinding up climbs, while Hermanos Guttierez is the move for these crisp, quiet mornings, walking in solitude, especially near the area of Warner Springs, rich with Native American history, who's land I am so appreciative to be able to move through. 

Hitched into the town of Julian for a solid meal from Apple Valley Cafe. Large sandwhich, salad and apple pie ala mode, the fat kid hiker special. 

That's the rub this far. Snakes, and working on getting back to being that hiking machine I once was, with endless stamina and tree trunks for legs. My goal of hiking to highway 88 and Carson Pass by June 21st is looking like it just might be possible if I can keep healthy. 

Finally, thank you to ALLLL of you who sent kind messages and dropped a donation via Venmo. I appreciate it so much. Y'all making me cry happy tears on trail. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! 

I have the most amazing friends and family in my corner cheering me on and supporting me. I am forever grateful.  Being able to share a personal moment, and have a special connection with you folks is what adds to the memories of this adventure in such a special way, even if you can't be here with me, you're here in a very real way.

Feel free to reach out, text, DM questions you may have. I will try to get to them when time/service allows. If you like what you're reading, and you are feeling tipsy, you can follow this venmo link and buy me a sprite or root beer in town. I promise this is shamelessly the best

 way to keep the blog content coming. LoL. Also, absolutely do not feel obligated. The content will continue either way, either here or through social media posts.

•K