We were down to two water bottles and we had 15.1 miles to Russell Tank. This would be the first water source in 35 miles. At this point heading up to 7400 elevation and into the pines it didn’t seem like the desert but the lack of water was our constant reminder.
Getting ready to leave from the tent each morning never seems to get easier. This morning I sat in my sleeping bag digging around in my backpack just outside my tent. Terry had noticed a blister on my toe the night before. I needed my first aid kit. Dang what was that? It’s all wet down in the bottom of my pack!
Instead of carrying enough water to make coffee, I bought small cans of Double Shot coffee that had been crushed and leaked. Not only did I have a mess to clean without any towels but also was my precious coffee gone. This is the elixir of energy and good mood. First order of business was to put each can in its own baggie and save what I could.
Slowly things are breaking or mal-functioning. The zipper on my clothing bag broke, both of my chargers were empty so no watch to track time/distance and no phone/camera. The sleeping pad air-tube broke. Gas canister mixture and seal are different causing worrisome problems. The clip that holds my water bottle to my backpack belt broke meaning I can’t reach my water bottle. Terry is now stopping me every 30 minutes, pulling my water bottle from the back pocket and insisting that I drink. This is a good thing. The biggest problem: no Duct Tape!!! This item was in a food bag lost in baggage claim a couple weeks ago. We didn’t know it was missing until we needed it.
In the previous days we had only run into two hikers. On this day less than an hour into the run a speedy woman blew past us, her poles collapsed inside her pack and she in speed walking form. This was Silver Bullet faster than a can of beer. The race is on. I have no race in me after yesterday’s marathon.
The route was harder today with some nasty switchbacks. I was demotivated. Without my watch my pace slowed and without coffee. Ugh! And then we got to Russel tank and the water was bad! Help! One more tank ahead 6 miles. Wildlife Tank. Our last chance.
The tension was mounting. Mango was just leaving Russell tank heading to wildlife tank completely waterless. The scene felt dire. The trail turned rocky, steep and buggy. I was in a low spot tired, sore, crabby. Nearer to the tank 4 hikers and a biker passed us. Would they get the last of the water?
Finally after 22 miles and 12 hours of hiking, clear water for all!
Mountain Peace 