SALMON FOREST, ID
It was a day of highs and lows, in many regards.
It began with the revelation last night that I had a significant error in my planning spreadsheet. In estimating my completion dates for the remaining segments of the hike, I put mileage for hiking into and out of a town on the same day, which is just wrong. Therefore, instead of thinking I would complete the hike in late September, its now early October. Snows in the San Juans could be happening then, and it would be a disaster to get stuck due to snow both northbound and southbound.
On the good side, I had a very cozy campsite. It was so nice I slept in a bit, which I shouldn’t do now that I know my schedule had tightened. I try to put off putting on my cold and wet shoes as long as I can, but eventually I need to get out there.
Before hitting trail, I enjoy my morning oatmeal, which I now have cold. Just pour the cold water in and mix. Its easy and yummy since I have chocolate flavored Carnation instant breakfast powder in it. I think it might help give me firm stool, which is kinda nice. On the other hand it might give me gas; I had jet propulsion all day long.
I also have some nice new gear. I have new earbuds which let me enjoy my favorite tunes through the morning hike. I also have a nice upgraded replacement of my GoalZero solar charger panel. I am excited to see how well it works.
The morning had blue, sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. In the afternoon as I was doing my really big climb of the day, the skies got really dark. When I got up high I started to hear thunder. You don’t want to be high up if there’s is a danger of lightening strike. Fortunately the storm did not go where I was, but later I went through the area where it dumped lots of pea size hail.
Later, the sun came back out and I wanted to get out of my stuffy rain coat. Also, my right foot started having some pain that had me concerned. I stopped to pack away the coat and rest. Since the sun was shining I put my solar panel on a log where the light was strong.
About 45 minutes after I departed, without the pain in my right foot, a sudden frightening thought occurred; where is my panel? I took off my pack and confirmed I didn’t have it.
Holy mother of all dingbats!!!
In a silent rage I put my pack back on and climbed the trail I had just descended. It was 45 minutes later when I came upon the orphaned panel, looking like a lonely boy at the school dance who the girls are keeping a safe distance from … but lets not talk about that.
Prone as I am to meltdowns, I decided to have dinner. That seemed more productive. My wasted hour and a half probably amounts to 4 miles. If I get stuck in an October snow storm 4 miles short of Chama, I will know the cause.
I am now in my tent at a nice campsite up high. Lets hope tomorrow brings more highs without pointless climbs.