Meetup: Day 19 – Friday 7/31/2929 – 1580.7 – clear, cold, hot, threatening rain but none, sunny. I woke at 4:45 am and was on trail at 5:40 am. I have two climbs today: 2500’ and the later 1000’ followed by many mini climbs. I sent Justin an inReach: [“been thinking about doing it in one day but I have a big climb 2500′ and a medium climb 1000′ to get to you. I’ll make the decision after the big one.” Jul 31, 2020 7:59 AM]. On the first climb my right ankle started to hurt. It was a muscle cramp. I had no problem descending only ascending. I just ignored it and kept going. I had lunch at mile 14 and committed to get to Justin today by doing an additional 7 miles. I sent him and inReach message: [“I am coming to you after lunch” Jul 31, 2020 12:51 PM]. I started to listen to an audio book to pass the time. The second climb was OK, but then the trail was on the side of mountains and rain clouds were starting to form. I did lots of ups and downs – choppy. They wore me out. I pushed hard to get to Justin. When I got to him I was in tears from pushing so hard. Another section hiker name Mappy, who I had met a few days ago, stopped by. Justin gave him refreshments and food. We chatted at dinner together. Tomorrow is another big climb – Parkview and it might rain.
