June 2, 2007

I awoke at Sierra Crest saddle near Diaz Creek around 4:30 a.m.  I had a good night's sleep and a dream or two.  I unzipped my rainfly and rolled clumsily out of my tent.  I sauntered slowly in the darkness while saying a little prayer that my food was still hanging from the tree.  I found the neon orange rope intact and slowly let down my Ursack bear bag.  My body felt rested and I wanted to cook Ramen noodles for breakfast.  My big butane lighter used for grilling was out of fuel and I couldn't find the one Bison Ed had given me.  Even with my headlamp, it was really too dark (and early) to be looking for a lighter.  So..I went with my old standby of an Oatmeal-to-Go bar and a Nutrigrain bar which I enjoyed while snug in my sleeping bag.

I lunched at Little Chicken Spring.  When I returned from a privy visit, 30-30 told me a bear had gotten my food bag.  Actually, 30-30 could sense my tiredness and he put my food bag into his pack.  I was struggling with the altitude so!  30-30's kindness relieved me of my heavy load.  What a gentleman!  I was able to complete our planned 18 mile day with 30-30's help.  We camped at Rock Creek where I washed my hair and clothes.  30-30 and I cleaned out the bear box.  We convinced Fireball into a later start in the morning.  Today, I hiked to elevations over 11,000 feet and the water quickly lulled me to a good night's sleep.