Thursday 7 September 2017

Tuesday, September 5th, 2017

Pioneer, California

Ten Days to Go

The scent of sage is definitely behind us and currently the sweet fragrances of pine and cedar dominate in the Sierra Mountain range.  The road, Hwy 88, is extremely and wonderfully curvy, yet the ups and downs of the trail force different leg muscles to be activated.  I’m not as good on the downs—my brakes aren’t the best.

I mildly complained to the boys that I’m contending with the TT and the NS, the ‘terrible tilt’ and ‘no shoulder’.  Still, I find I must adjust mentally, but the motorists are responsible drivers, always making room for me.

One motorist, Randy, saw me on Monday.  Then he saw me again.  “Did you go all night?  Here!” He handed me some water and a bag of trail mix.

Another vehicle slowed down and came to a halt.  It’s a couple.  “Is everything alright?  Do you need water?”
“Surely!”  They give.
“Money?”
“It helps.”  They give $30.
“Some herbs?”  Something I’m supposed to smoke.
“I’ll decline.  Thanks!”

I met a rare walker, shirtless, a couple of marks on the arm and torso, a tattoo; the young guy is immersed in his mobile device.  We shake hands.
“Here’s a mantra.  Do you like walking?”
“It’s very therapeutic.”

I see a blue bird going from tree to tree.  I see and hear two dozen head of cattle, each one wearing a cow bell.  It’s nice.  The clanging is continuous.

I did not walk all night but rested with the boys in a motel room, and also relaxed in a hot tub—much needed for the legs—with Hayagriva also submerged to the waist while reading to me “Song of the Gopis,” from the book “Krishna.”

May the Source be with you!

20 miles

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