Day 110: Embracing The Brutality

October 15th, 2024

Mile Marker: Brown Line Alternate

Miles Hiked: 21

This morning we rolled out around 7:20 AM. I slept poorly last night as I thought I was in a hammock like spot to cradle me but I was constantly sliding down like I was upright. Whoops.

Anywho, I had a gorgeous sunrise to wake me up as we continued down the gravel road on the blue line alternate.

We cruised with ease and came to a park entrance after about 5 miles. I was desperately needing a break as my traps are so sore from the heavy water carries. Also, a tooth on my hip belt broke and I became fearful to use it too much when I walked. I thought about Planner today and how she didn’t have one for the whole PCT. I have no idea how she could carry 6 liters of extra weight with no hip belt!!However, I know that if the hip belt does completely break, I’ll be okay, I’ve seen it be done. 😁

We then walked through a park and started on the lava rock fun. I have forgotten how difficult walking on lava rocks is and remembered a comment from Thankful on the PCT, it’s like walking on legos.

I would find myself in awe at the ripples of the lava rock and the views then as I continued to walk, think ouch my feet hurt and this sucks back and forth for the entire next 7 miles.

Halfway through the lava rock, we found ourselves needing a break. I needed to chug water and get rid of some of the weight on my back.

I also saw my first tarantula! Eeek!! It was a “baby” one but still bigger than most spiders we see.

The last part of the lava rock took us out on vast views where we could see the rocks continue on for miles. It’s wild to think what this place used to look like.

Before we hit the main road, the trail turned to sand and we continued moving slow. I think I still prefer lava rocks over sand. Sand just drives me insane.

We took a nice long lunch break before walking on the pavement of the brown line alternate. Most people take this as the red line continues for miles and miles of lava rock and no water.

We then started on the pavement and I instantly felt my feet hurt. Today was all about embracing the brutality that is the CDT. Lava rock, sand, pavement, and heavy water carry. Sheesh!

After an hour or so we turned into the La Ventana Natural Arch park and decided we would take a small alternate trail called the Narrows that went up the cliff and along the ridge until it rejoined the pavement. This would help get us off the road and onto some trails.

I was already tired but told Aster that if she led, I’d follow. So we bushwhacked and made our own way up side of the cliff by grabbing onto rocks and pulling ourselves up. Once we started I felt my adrenaline kick in, I loved this stuff. Trying to find the best route up and scramble to the top.

Once at the top we then had to bushwhack to the other side of the ridge. I was staring at my feet to try and not step on a cactus or twist an ankle on the rocks. We were in the zone, moving along.

We then reconnected to a trail that was rocky and sandy but we kept a steady pace.

We made it to the trailhead later than expected and decided we would start down the pavement then try and get a hitch 3-4 miles down so that we could make it to the solar well in time before the sun goes down.

We stuck out our thumbs and the second truck that went by stopped a little bit down the road so we ran to it and the woman told us to hop in the back and they could take us to the TLC Ranch. We told them we didn’t need to go there and just needed to get a few miles down the road. The lady was surprised and asked if we were sure as they were going that way anyways since they lived nearby. Aster and I got in the back and decided if we saw Whatever on this road, that we would all go ahead and hitch to the ranch, as we didn’t want to leave him.

As we head down, I turned my hat backwards as it was extremely windy and eventually I turned my head just enough that my KC hat flies off, watching it drift onto the shoulder of the highway. I let out a shrill “No! My hat! Turn around!” The driver then eventually stopped and turned around. I don’t know exactly why, but I really didn’t want to lose that hat, one that had been with me since the beginning.

I was so thankful they turned around and we were able to grab it. I then hunkered down in truck. A few miles later we pulled over again as we saw Whatever and told him to hop in and that we are going to going to TLC Ranch.

We yell at the lady we are going there and she laughs and says yep, got it. As if she knew we would change our minds.

We huddled down and road in the back trying to stay warm. I was so happy with this decision to get off of the pavement and roads.

We arrived at the Ranch and the lady told us to come see her at the bakery in Pie Town. We were also so pleased with the Ranch. They provided water, a place to eat under shelter, camping area, and a privy. We don’t need much more than that AND it was 5:30. Plenty of time before sunset to eat and relax. Perfect.

We took our time setting up camp and making dinner together. It was a joy and I felt at peace. It was so nice to not rush. We even got an amazing sunset.

Around 8 a car pulled in and 3 other hikers popped out and joined us. They hitched as well and we all agreed that this section is probably the most hitched section on the CDT. Pavement with no shoulder is a hard pill to swallow.

We chatted for a while then I left to get in bed. As I did I noticed the comet in the sky, I was hoping we would be able to see it and let out a holler to Aster and Whatever. Finally!

It was an adventure today and I found myself enjoying it. It may be hard but I’m learning to find the good bits.

Pie town tomorrow! Yay!

Night Night.

Iz and Oz