August 2, 2004

It stormed last night, but I woke up to a nice cool breeze wafting through my tent.  I began my hike at 7:15 a.m.  The first few miles were tough downhills on steep, slick rocks.  I slid down on my butt.  I hiked through redwood forests which were cool in temperatures and nice terrain.  I hiked through pastures which were blazing hot.

I was treated to trail magic about eight miles into my hike.  I had a banana, tangerine-kiwi drink and Mountain Dew.  I then hiked onward past Shay's Rebellion Monument, a stone marker commemorating the last skirmish of a farmer's revolt led by Daniel Shays.  The 1787 revolt was against government taxes and tactics.  I hiked a total of 16 miles today, bringing my total to 1514.7 miles in all.