Miles Don't Mean A Thing

Day 24: Burlington Campground to Leggett
Today's Distance: 47 miles
Total Distance: 1,100 miles

I was the last one to leave the campgrounds this morning. Only a 47 mile day and no huge hills, so I figured I'd take it easy.  Mistake. Today just felt like one big, long climb. I guess technically it was. I just didn't think it would have as much as an effect on me as it did.  Crap. Today was tough.  

At the start of the day I finished the rest of Ave of Giants.  The road opened back up to the 101 after that.  It was sunny and the closest thing to hot as it's been.  Cool with me!  That lasted for about 20 miles and then back into the shade of the redwoods at Richardson Grove for a couple miles.  All the while, still increasing in elevation steadily.  The hills got steeper and higher for the last 15 miles or so.   At some point I started talking outloud to myself for encouragement. Weird, but I needed it though!  

I left Humboldt County and entered Mendencino County.  There was a sketchy moment involving me going really fast, cars going really fast, a disappearing shoulder, roadwork, and a bridge.  That's as much as I'll go into that. Don't want to scare my mom.  Hill after steep hill. No energy.  Really struggled to finish the last mile and I arrived at Standish-Hickey State Park absolutely spent.  All the same people were staying here tonight, plus about 6 more.  I asked around and everyone shared in the same sentiment that today was tough.  I'm not happy that the others struggled as well, but I'm glad I'm not alone.  Just because the mileage is low, does not mean it's going to be easy.  I learned that today for sure.

After I set up camp, the Czech, Stu, and I  walked across the street to a market to grab some beers.  Grabbed a 22 of Ninkasi Tricerahops and jalapeño popcorn and then chilled at camp until around bedtime at 8pm.  I spent the rest of the night trying to figure out how to get to San Francisco faster.  I think I'll be able to get there on the same route but shave off one day. Extra miles per day, but this means i'd make it to SF in time to catch the Raiders/Chargers game.  I got priorities people!

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