Day 41 – 2 May 19. Walking with Butterflies
Today I had a big breakfast and then got a ride back to where I left the trail. I had a light pack as I had taken off my ice axe, crampons and food. Most people slack pack this, which means they don’t carry any pack but part of my personal purist philosophy is that I have to carry my pack with the base equipment for every step of the way. It was amazing to be carrying such a small pack.
The trail climbed up, relatively gently for the most part, through some wind turbines and then in the open. There was a lot of flowers everywhere and a profusion of butterflies. They were everywhere flying around me and rising in clouds from the trail and bushes as I approached. It was pretty neat. I think I spent most of the hike with a smile on my face.
The final few miles were dropping down a steep hill by many many switchbacks. On the way down I met NuCare who was slackpacking the other way.
From the bottom of the hill it was a road walk to the highway. A massive train was going past but luckily it ended just as I approached the railway crossing. At the highway I crossed on the overpass and touched the sign to go off trail.
I met Ginger Balls as he had just been dropped off. He had gotten a new tattoo in town yesterday of a California Poppy. He was starting on the next leg.
Shortly after I arrived the van arrived, driven by one of the hikers at Brenda’s place. We headed to the bakery to pick up other hikers but Bucksnoort, Professor and I decided to get out and go to the Thai place for lunch.
We had a lovely lunch at Thai-hatchapi and then walked to Wits End as they needed to pick up packages. Wits End is a house where the owner has opened it up for hikers to hang out when they are in town. He provides wi fi and a lounge area as well as some excellent hiker boxes.
Professor
We were picked up and Brenda was now driving. We headed to the post office and then the grocery store where I got another Flat White coffee while waiting for the others. I am not sure why they took so long but we had to wait nearly 2 hours before finally we could head back to Brenda’s.
Brenda – Amazing Trail angel and amazing human. Her generosity and care for hikers is legendary.
The van
For dinner Brenda did boiled Artichoke for appetiser which I had never tried before. Then Crow and Uki cooked some lovely baked burritos and did a salad. We sat around talking before heading to bed.
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