Journey Day 3 | PCT Day 3

Antelope Valley power line, roads, California

4/19/85

Awaken to same temperatures, mid-40s, as yesterday. Today the sky clears as I clear my head, filter water.

John Lund, 60, with a pacemaker, came upon us as we dawdled in camp. He’s from Apple Creek, near Barstow. He had no tent (mine weighs 7 pounds) and was carrying the pack I abandoned as too small for the trip.

Then two older women from the Sierra area passed us. We crossed paths all day. We camped along Long Canyon.

I’m a bit embarrassed to say they’d walked all the way from Lake Moreno. My inability to keep pace with Keith had me feeling inadequate. I sweated, wore blisters, strained shoulders up a healthy climb.

Wanted to quit early, but Keith took my tent and I made it to our great, although cow-paddied site along Canyon Creek. It was our first sunny hiking since the half-day to Lake Moreno, but I was so tired. Altitude, I hope. I am hazy about much else. No major mishaps. 11-12 miles covered. Keith is getting nervous about our pace.