Trail initiation: first planks I had to do I transformed from clean day-hiker to dirty thru-hiker. It’s only gotten worse from there. It’s funny, I was so excited about the trail that first day that I wanted to kiss the ground I walked on, but at this point I’ve just completely become one with the dirt I walk across. Well, except for right this second when I’m just finished with a bucket shower in Warner Springs.

Lion King Rock. You’ll see why if I ever find the energy to edit vlogs. Gloomy Pine trees, it’s almost like I never left home.Only 1650 miles from home! Less now, this was a mileage sign over 50 miles ago. Breakfast of champions! Had to cook up some warm biscuits and gravy and coffee at Pioneer mail after how terrible the weather was on the way there. The all important PT band – I only get to be out here because I’m working hard on keeping my core muscles strong enough to hold up my damaged lumbar spine. Cowboy camped at mile 61.5. I heard it was a windy spot, so I just hiked up in the bushes and I was fine. I’ve seen so many amazing sunsets out here!Night hiked until 11:12 PM to hit the 100 mile marker on April 23. One of the Mysterious Couple. Hikers from the Netherlands that we don’t know much about yet. Some day hikers gave me food at Eagle Rock, and I was so excited about fruit that wasn’t dehydrated!

My dumpster tarp in action!! So proud of this guy, and wouldn’t part with it for the world since it’s where my trail name comes from.