April 22, 2014
Woke up around 3am, entranced by the stars, the waning half moon, jet contrails and no less than seven shooting stars! Beautiful weather, not too cool, and amazing breezes. Wishing everyone could experience this! Already one of the most incredible birthdays ever!
Up around 6:15, packed, snacked and on the trail by 6:45am. Stopped and chatted with Robodoc, who was camped nearby, for a half hour or so. Onward around Pacifico Mountain, doing the turricula shuffle (aka avoiding the Poodle Dog Bush; similar to poison oak but worse symptoms) before stopping at Fountainhead Spring for brunch and to filter a couple liters of water. Up and over the ranger district divide before descending to the North Fork fire station. Threw away all the trash collected today (since it was Earth Day, I decided to pick up all the trash I saw) and talked to several construction workers who gave me a couple bottles of water. Up Mt Gleason road (Poodle Dog Bush detour) to MP 421 where I regained the trail. Stopped at mile 422 to celebrate my 45th birthday (4/22) at 4:22pm with a little Yukon Jack; opening birthday cards from boy and girl Shannons (thanks guys!). Soon (and unexpectedly) joined by Alpaca who also had a card for me. Incredibly I had cell phone reception, so called my parents and Shannon.
Decided to hike a few more miles to Big Buck Camp but missed the turnoff so continued to mile 425 and cowboy camped near Little Gleason Forestry Plantation for a daily total of 17 miles. Baby Eagle (or as he prefers: Full-grown Daddy Eagle) arrived after dark by headlamp and joined me and Alpaca. Another beautiful day and evening!
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