I learned a lot preparing for this, learned more doing it and cant wait to do it again!
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Arrived at 2pm after the 1hr drive. NWS reports it was 106 degrees from 2-3pm, it was a hot, tiring hike in
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No photos of the hike in. 106 degrees, camera in backpack. I had to rest under a tree for 10 mins and take breaks on the second of the two climbs. I made it there in 1.5 hrs, incredibly slow for me compared to a day hike!
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(Step one was making sure I could access water. I had 750ml left if the reported water icon on the map was wrong, I’d have to go back.)
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At first I thought this was the source of the non-potable water. I was very happy to find a spigot of clearer water elsewhere on the site. Filtered 7 liters of water, then picked a site for the tent.
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Wonderful view of Mt. Diablo from the east looking west. Setting the tent here would give me a great sundown view and sunrise above my head.
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Now what? Ate a small sandwich, drank lots of water, washed some clothes, and started reading
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Turns out I was the only one camping tonight. Perhaps the 106 degree weather?
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heated up some leftover chili with noodles that Laura made earlier in the week.
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Feeling happy about my choice, glad for the opportunity to do this. This is the first time in my life I’ve been completely alone overnight, haven’t seen or heard a person in 8 hrs at this point
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this is my new (spacious) backpacking tent.
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Finished reading my first book, readying the headlamp for more reading after sunset.
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Was sure I would not be able make it out here this weekend, an ankle injury earlier in the week cleared up at the last minute. Thanks Feet!
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The night was a little windy, I had a hard time sleeping, wanted to stay up and see everything as it changed through the night.
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Woke up for the last time around 4am, relented and got up around 5:30am to watch the sun start its rise.
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Was windy over night, but still warm. In the AM I wanted some of that light to come my way!
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Forgot the coffee grinds! Rookie! The Oatmeal was hearty and warming, glad I didn’t pass.
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I rose soo fast, the next two+ pictures are from the same minute or two.
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The wind didn’t let up and made striking camp more of a challenge.
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The birds were out.
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Getting ready to pack up and head back before the weather turns. AM (dry?!) Thunderstorms forecast, want to get moving before it gets too warm.
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Hiked out in just over an hour, vs. 1.5 on the way in. Must have been the heat. At the car, I saw the first human I’d seen in 19 hours. By far the longest time I’ve been truly alone.