May 16th, 2016
Miles Hiked: 19
Total Miles: 334
Start Location: Campsite Mile 394
End Location: Campsite Mile 413
End Location GPS: 34.38005, -118.04115
Solid miles today on easier terrain (no serious climbs) than the past few days. We went through, and are still in, a large burn area were a previous fire had gone through. If the burnt trees weren’t enough of a present, this plant called Poodle Dog Bush likes to grow in these areas. It is a nasty plant that gives you a lovely rash if you brush your skin against it, similar to poison ivy or oak, except ten times worse. It has an unmistakable appearance and has a faint smell about it. I guess miles 410 to 440 have this stuff all over the place. It’s easy to avoid but you must pay close attention to where you are going. It’s lots of good fun let me tell you!
We are camped on a ridge looking south. There is another inversion layer tonight which puts us above a seas of clouds again. To our north there are much higher clouds, salmon colored now in he setting sun’s reflective rays, like mounds of orange sorbet ice cream.
Speaking of, the hiker hunger has finally hit full force. I’ve been thinking about meat a lot lately. I’ve been vegetarian for the past two years and if anything would make me eat a nice juicy hamburger or some mouth watering chicken wings, thru-hiking would be it. I’ve been trying to hold off these urges but who knows what will happen…
I must stay strong.
From Carolyn’s Journal:
