40 – 58 KM

I wake early and make breakfast burritos. We are trying to get an early jump on an 11 mile day. We are learning that STC miles are somewhat longer than normal miles.

Another Black Bear

As Coral presses through shoulder tall ferns, I hear bear sounds from the bushes. I hurry her along, as the snapping branches are getting loud.

Further down the trail we run into another bear. This one, clearly coming right for us. I guess these guys don’t like us eating their berries. I yell “Hey bear” as Coral bangs her walking sticks. Our presence is now clearly known. Eventually he veers off.

View Near Scout Mountain

We hike up and around Scout Mountain. The views from the top are amazing, but the down is brutally rocky and steep. I feel like I am learning new sailor terms from Jim, or at least hearing them with new found enthusiasm.

As a team, we are fading. We find a note from Steve. His group has fallen back a day, and is now planning to cut back miles and eventually double back for the zero day pickup. It takes us about 11 hours to travel 11 miles. Helene is going strong and can clearly complete the trail, but others have stopped having fun. This is a head game and some heads are no longer in it – not to mention knees and ankles.

We roll into camp by a decent 5:30pm, but the damage is already done. Alternate plans are being alternately discussed.