This little snake slithered right by my feet while I was sitting having a break. No idea where it came from.
Miles Today: 12.8
Mile Marker: 982.8
I got a slow start out of the hostel this morning. The owner Scott made us breakfast around 7:45, and then I hung around until about 11:00. Once I got back on the trail I decided I would try to do 16 miles even with the late start.
I was making great time until I saw Zack and Ali (Burning Man and Peach). They had just gotten back on the trail after being gone for a wedding. They were heading right toward me. We were both insistent the other was going the wrong direction. I was wrong. About an hour ago I had gotten confused going through a rock scramble. I retraced my steps until I found the white blazes and followed them out. Unfortunately I followed the wrong set and didn't realize it. I hiked about 1.5 miles over the same terrain before I bumped into them. Pretty devastating loss of time and energy. I was prepared to sulk, but they were full of energy and it was good to see them. I hiked with them for the next few hours until I needed a break.
They ended up hiking further and likely got to their goal. I was exhausted and defeated and stopped just before sunset to set up camp. Hopefully I've got the drive in the morning to make up the miles.