ET's Info-Stew

15:16: I'm sitting at an overlook of Rancheria Falls. Poor Mike and Carl are a ways behind. Both of them have cramping legs, and I am partially to blame for it.

We hit the trail at 9:21. After going through a tunnel and then past a trail sign a mile or so in, we started doing switchbacks toward the north. A mile later I realized my mistake: our trail didn't have any switchbacks this early on. The trail sign was at a split and we took the wrong and more strenuous route. Back at the sign, the milepost indicated another 6 miles to our destination.

A mile or so later we started seeing day hikers walking back soaked through. And soon we found out why. Water was splashing and misting out of Wapama Falls so much as to make a person soaking wet. It was refreshing but we knew we still had a long way to go. Five miles down, four to go.

It was about that time that Mike and Carl started cramping up. We lightened the pace and took a few long rests but one thing was clear: they were in trouble. I've been scouting ahead of them and that is how I've had time to write this log.

Part of the reason I'm not hurting is that my pack weighs more than ten pounds less than theirs. But also I have to credit losing weight and walking instead of riding a golf cart.

Carl and Mike just caught up and they need rest. There is a sign here that says that camp is just a quarter mile away. Good thing because I'm almost out of water and energy. Plus, I lost my slingshot.

16:54: I plopped down my stuff at 15:43 and have just now finished my chores (filter water, set up tent, bathe somewhat, as there is no swimming aloud, not that I would with how cold the water is). Carl and Mike made it in around 16:00.

The water filter worked better than I expected. I just scooped from the creek and did my thing. There are two issues I found. One, bugs and crap fall into the bottle opening. Two the black part of the nozzle cap pushes inward so the nozzle keeps getting shorter. I was not able to pry it back out.

The peach tee is SO good and it makes sense to drink it just after the hike for a pick-me-up. I found my slingshot. After my hanky bath I came back and it was sitting amongst my gear. I thought Carl or Mike played a funny little prank, but apparently not. It would have been a good one. The bath was refreshing but the water was so cold it hurt. The sunblock worked very well, so hopefully the rash isn't caused by it.

From the car to the trailhead is half mile. Then it is 6.5 to Rancheria Falls. With our extra "adventure", we went nine miles. Tomorrow will be seven for a total of sixteen miles.

Here are some trail tips to remember:

• A sign on the trail means "this is an important place, so pay attention".
• I can push myself pretty hard if I need to.
• Hydrate very well a couple days before the trips.

22:46: I didn't do much since my last log. I played with my binoculars a bit and tooke a few pictures. Then I made dinner, started the fire, made hot chocolate, and finally laid outside in the dark a while looking for shooting starts (I was none but did see four satellites).

I'm really glad I lost weight before this trip. I am in better physical shape and my warm clothes fit a little better.

I'm lying in bed now waiting for the Tylenol PM to fully kick in. A good night sleep out here would feel great. I chose this camp spot very well as the ground is flat and pretty soft. It's warm right now so I may take off my fleece and get prepared to move into my bag. I'm dragging on maybe the Tylenol PM has already kicked in.