June 24
When we pack up in the morning, my hip is so painful that I can barely walk. I'm thrown into a dark mood, I can no longer ignore the doubts I've been having. Pete really proves the strength of his friendship to me when we discuss the possiblility of ending the trip early. He somehow gets me to look at it as an opportunity, and reminds me that we couldn't possibly be dissappointed with the adventures we've already had. In the afternoon I heft the pack in a much better mood, walking with less pain and more optimism.

On the way out of town we lose a water bottle, leaving us 1.

| Pete's Journal
June 25
I've adjusted my pack, my routine, and my sleeping position to ease my lower back & hips, and it may be helping. It's easier to walk this morning. The land is lush, rain threatens throughout the day. I try to retain my optimism to help Pete - he complains of feeling a little sick. Really I'm still worrying about what will happen if we stop early. I can't help it - I would feel bad if we had to stop because of me. I'm in turmoil about it inside.
| Pete's Journal
June 26
It rains all night, then all day. We learn what it's like to have no escape from it for a day. We imagine we might find out what it's like to live for several days in it. Not comfortable. At least we are not trying to travel through a drought with only one water bottle.

We fail to notice right away, but it is the first day since we left Kennedy Meadows that the trail has been completely snowless.

| Pete's Journal

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