ET's Info-Stew

14:33: A lot has happened. Last night I didn't get great sleep because I kept waking up to change positions. It's difficult to say whether it was because of my small sleeping pad or small pillow. When laying on my back the pillow does a fine job. But any other position and my neck isn't supported. When I woke up most of the time my neck was in pain.

We found the cache but we had a heck of a time getting there. The second leg of the route I planned has us walking a trail for a mile or so. We're not sure we ever found the trail. So following waypoints we ended up climbing over ridges through thick brush and all other kinds of nasty terrain. It was the most difficult hike I've ever had. Unfortunately we aren't done yet. We've stopped at a stream near the cache to build up our energy. We still have to go back, but this time we won't be following GPS. I definitely underestimated the difficultly in reaching this cache.

We took some pictures of the cache for proof and filled out the log. Now I'm trying to stay in some shade so my sunburn doesn't get worse.

I ran out of water just after finding the cache and fortunately we found a nearby (10 minutes away) stream. I'm rehydrating and building energy for the long hike back.

21:00: The hike back was at least as hard as the hike in, especially after three hours of hard hiking. Dad insisted on going cross-country and not finding the trail. Getting to the trail would have been tough, but as a whole the trip back may have been easier.

Immediately after getting back I went swimming, then I relaxed. I am so physically tired, and drained of energy. I feel like I'm dehydrated and I'm having trouble getting enough oxygen. I don't know for sure but these may be signs of approaching complete exhaustion. I hope tonight my body will rebuild itself for tomorrow's hike out, which at this point seems like a cake walk.

I really need to do something about this sleeping situation. I may have to invest in a real sleeping pad that is air filled and can be converted to a chair. Just what I need: more weight. But if it gets me to sleep without waking 20-30 times a night, it will be worth it.

From the cache I took a Dilbert pen, which I'm giving to Jenny as this trip's gift. I left five bucks, but next time I'll have a more thoughtful treasure.

I'm bushed and going to sleep now.