The views were tremendous, as you can see:
- the longest I had done with a pack;
- the longest I have done solo;
- the longest I have done unsupported;
- the longest I have done, period!
- the most elevation gain (over 9000' according to Google Earth)
It was also the first run I have done where there really was no turning back. I had to finish, regardless. My car was at the end, and there was nothing at the start once I had left, since I had been dropped off. It was a mosquito-fest as well. Slowing to a walk served as an invitation to the little blood-suckers. Dozens would descend if I tried to stop for a stretch. I started to beg for the usual winds to blow them away.
I felt pretty damn good until I hit mile 25. There was this big wall there, and I smacked right into it. My stomach went sour, and even thinking of eating ANYTHING made me want to puke. Since I would have ralphed back up anything I put down almost immediately, I didn't see the point. As a result, my ability to run - shall we say - suffered? I ended up walking virtually all the last 12 miles. Water became an issue as well. I had 80 oz with me at the start, and none at the end. I even took a couple sips from a stream (I know, a no-no). And now, more pictures!
I met some nice people on the trail, and when one asked (it was "Caveman" I believe, who was hiking the entire PCT) why I was doing it, I quoted a Shin's song and said that I was trying to live a life less ordinary. At the time it made sense. When I was fighting the urge to empty my stomach every step of 12 miles, I could have done with a bit more ordinary. But the thought of what awaited me in the car, kept me going. The trail down to Bayview was steep, but pretty. The view of the beer was even prettier.