[pct-l] Trail Memories

[Hiker97 at aol.com (Hiker97@aol.com)]

I finally looked at the map several  weeks ago of the last part of our 
Section E expedition in November.  This  is from Oakdale Canyon Road to Hyw. 138.  
It is almost 8 miles.  I  thought it was about 6 miles.
 
I had always had in my mind that  this would be an easy walk down at out the 
foothills to Hwy. 138 after going  over the immediate hills.  A joyful walk 
with lots of vista of the valley  below.
 
Well, after a 15 mile hike the day  before, this joyful walk was tough on me. 
 I was exhausted by the time I  got to Hwy. 138.
 
My CD map of the PCT clearly shows  how rugged this section of trail is, 
except the for the last mile.  I am so  glad I did not know how long or tough this 
last hiking day was going to  be.  Ignorance is bliss in this case.  I would 
have hitchhiked out if  I had know how tough it was going to be.
 
Actually, I made good time for the  8 miles, so may be I am exaggerating a 
little.  I won't do this hike  again.  Remember, that a 10 mile hike for me is 
similar to an 18 mile hike  for you because of some medical issues I have.  So, 
8 miles is almost a  full day for me on the trail.  A 15 mile day is Mt. 
Everest.
 
By the way, just to prove I do not  learn any lessons out there, I am in 
heavy training for the 2006 campaign.   I'll be back again this year on the trail 
to be humiliated.  I am beginning  to think the trail is something like a 
woman with a whip.  Let's see what  do they call that....?????
 
Your hiking  buddy,  Switchback
Trail Wimp & PCT  Corridor Plodder