Day 23 (27 Miles)

Today was all systems go. I felt strong and the trail was in great shape the entire day. The mosquitoes were the least obnoxious they had been in three weeks. The miles came fast and easy and the only reason I stopped when I did is that I had no reason to push further. This was the elusive "breakout" day I had wanted to have, where you know your body and mind are peaking and anything is now possible.

Before I get to carried away with saying what a perfect day it was I need to offer one cautionary tale. While was taking a snack break I accidentally knocked over my 2-liter water bottle. All of the sudden, I went from being two liters up to being two liters down with seven miles to the next water source. Funny how everything can change in an instant.

My final destination of the day was a visit to Little Crater Spring and Campground. The spring was billed in the guidebook as being one unmatched for purity and taste, due to the fact that an elaborate fence had been build on all sides to keep livestock away. When I arrived at the spring I did notice the elaborate fence. I also noticed a family taking a picnic nearby and stopped by to say hello. In return they offered me some chicken, banana, and kiwi. Score!

Tonight was the first night in three weeks that was completely devoid of mosquitoes. I had to convince myself at the campsite that I could actually relax. It took a lot of getting used to.

One other tidbit about today. As I crossed the Warm Springs River mid-day I crossed my halfway point for mileage on the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail is approximately 2,660 miles, and I had just completed 1,330! Only 1,330 to go! Yahoo! Even more interesting is that the Warm Springs River crossing happened to reside exactly at the 45th parallel -- that would be halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. Put that in your pipe and smoke it!