The Wonderland Journal

Miles hiked: 22.3 Mile marker: 1998.7 Total ascent: 2600 ft Total descent: 4400 ft It’s almost warm when I wake up this morning. Not let yesterday’s cold air that had me walking in my jacket for a few miles.  Bumper and Rafiki both have exclaimed how much like autumn it…

Miles hiked: 30 Mile marker: 1976.4 Total ascent: 4600 ft Total descent: 3300 ft The sky glows pink and white through the trees as we begin our hike. I’m slow at first, as it takes me a while in the morning to get my legs warmed up. My heel hurts…

Miles hiked: 27.3 Mile marker: 1946.4 Total ascent: 3000 ft Total descent: 3200 ft The day starts with some fast hiking. Bumper and Voyager started earlier than Rafiki and me.  We’ve barely left the tent site when we run into Socks, who we haven’t seen in forever! Then we run…

Miles hiked: 26.9 Mile marker: 1919.1 Total ascent: 3500 ft Total descent: 3700 ft Everything is dry this morning. This comes as a welcome relief, as yesterday when I awoke, my shirt was still wet from sweat.  It takes me a while to get moving. I’ve packed all of my…

Miles hiked: 28.9 Mile marker: 1892.2 Total ascent: 3300 ft Total descent: 4900 ft There’s a beautiful firey sunrise happening behind some trees. Too bad I can’t see it past those trees! Our walk continues down through the wooded forest. Soft dirt path. Over and under fallen trees.  The chunk…

Miles hiked: 18.1 Mile marker: 1863.3 Total ascent: 2600 ft Total descent: 1500 ft Bumper joined us last night. He was dropped off from Trail Days by some friends. I saw his light as he came into camp last night.  We all pack up like zombies in the early morning. …

Miles hiked: 24.6 Mile marker: 1845.2 It’s cold. The foot of my sleeping bag is wet. The walls of my tent are dotted in water.  We’re packing up when I hear a slow breaking, then a crunch, then a CRASH! A tree just fell.  We walk into the woods. It’s…

Miles hiked: 27.7 Mile marker: 1816 Total ascent: 3800 ft Total descent: 3400 ft They’re in my shoes. In my pack. On my sandals.  I’m glad these giant ants don’t bite.  It’s a chilly morning. The foot of my sleeping bag is wet. I closed my vestibules last night because…

Miles hiked: 27.2 Mile marker: 1788.3 Total ascent: 3100 ft Total descent: 2500 ft I’m late getting going. I’m so exhausted and just want to sleep. At least I slept well last night! My feet and ankles are tight as I begin the hike in the dark blue morning.  After…

Miles hiked: 29.5 Mile marker: 1761.2 Total ascent: 4500 ft Total descent: 4600 ft I woke up last night at 11:30 pm. Then I rolled around and around. We cowboy camped because there was supposed to be a meteor shower. I fell asleep before it was even dark and awoke…

The morning begins slowly. I make some eggs and sausage for breakfast and grab a latte from the local coffee shop that only serves americanos, lattes, and muffins.  Before I know it, I’m hurrying to get my 10 day resupply organized. We head on over to the post office, where…

Miles hiked: 9.4 Mile marker: 1719.2 Total ascent: 700 ft Total descent: 2800 ft It’s dark as I pack my bag. I’m on concrete floor next to a stone wall, groping around for my headlamp as I try to be quiet as to not wake the two other hikers who…