Half way and then some

A few days back we hit the long anticipated half way point and marked the 1325 mile. I carried a 12 pack of beer up the 6000 foot climb so we had something to celebrate with (I also left some trail magic at the top of the hill for a few lucky hikers behind me). 

We're still doing big miles to make it to Oregon by the first. I'll be meeting my parents and uncle once I get to Ashland and I'll finally get a day off. It's been over 500 miles since our last zero day and by the time we hit Ashland it will be around 800. I can't wait. 

Today Byrd and I took a detour to go see the bridge where they filmed stand by me. Turns out they tore up all the tracks so we didn't get to do a train dodge but we got a couple good pictures. 

And now the trail...I have a few good pictures of sunsets and waterfalls. We went past Lassen and will be at Shasta in a little over two days. 

Sierra City to the Brattens

We made it in and out of Sierra City in one piece and without losing a bunch of miles. Our next stop is Belden where we'll find out last trail angels for a while (the Brattens). 

Doing 26 mile days starts to wear on you both physically and mentally. Doing 18-20s made it seem like there wasn't enough time in the day, 26 is a whole new ball game. But we are making some good progress which is nice. You also get to catch up with people you haven't seen for hundreds of miles. 

The half way mark is coming up at 1330 and it's one of the major mile markers for me. That and getting out of California. 

Tahoe was amazing

1000 miles and Tahoe

We made it to the 1000 mile mark which was exciting and a big milestone for the trail. This achievement was quickly followed by the realization that we have only made it 1000 miles in a little over two months, with 1660 to go. The last few days we have averaged a tad over 24 miles a day and it's looking like it will be a 25 mile a day average to make it to Oregon before August. 

I think leisure tour is officially over. 

The Sierras were beautiful but I'm glad to not have granite steps to deal with anymore. The trail seems to be getting easier the further north we go and it's reminding me more and more of the desert in Southern California. 

We'll be in South Lake Tahoe today for a quick resupply and maybe some lunch. 

The first three steps of every morning are always questionable. You never know if your feet and legs are going to give out or if you'll be good for the day. Today was a new record of 32 miles in a day and I have a feeling I might fall over tomorrow

Cooking dinner before bed as I wait out the mosquitos in my tent