Hello Everyone,

Well, I didn’t quite make it to Susanville today, but close. I am camp in a beautiful little valley between Jansville and Johnstonville, about nine miles from Susanville. The spot I found is secluded and is posted as a wildlife area and is fenced with an unlocked gate for public access.

I trekked about 18.14 miles today and didn’t have the energy to go a few more miles, let alone nine miles. Though the terrain was similar today, I struggled a bit, well, maybe more than a bit. The weather conditions were the same as yesterday, hot and humid. During my first trek one of the biggest challenges was the wind, now I would have to say that the heat is right up there, only second to the pain of the plantar fasciitis.

Usually the pain doesn’t bother me too much until the afternoon, but today it was troublesome starting the first thing in the morning. It could be due to the two long days and distances of trekking and maybe because I didn’t put my Strassburg sock on until after eleven last night. I usually put it on right after I stop so it has over twelve hours to stretch out the tendon, but last night I had company and didn’t get settled in until late. Today I had to take Advil by nine and then again in the afternoon. I had only taken it about twice during the day on the whole trek.

I got started a little after eight and thankfully didn’t run into Scott Humphrey. I really enjoyed his company, but would probably have chatted with him for hours in the morning. He did drive by on the road later and waved to me.

It was already in the eighties around nine and I craving something cold to drink a few hours later, but knew that the next store was still 5-6 miles away. Just as I felt I might be hitting a wall, Ron the CHP stopped to say hello to me. I had seen him drive by several times yesterday and thought it was nice to know he was looking out for me. We chatted for a while and he asked if there was anything he could get for me. I was picturing that ice cold glass of beer, and said a case of cold beer. Of course I was only kidding, and besides, it wouldn’t look good to see a Chippy buying beer and putting it into a patrol car (I really don’t drink anyway). I said an unsweetened ice tea, and twenty minutes later he brought them to me. Wow, did that hit the spot! Sometimes it’s good to be a retired CHP!

Being so thirsty actually concerns me because about two hours later I was feeling the same way, overheated and thirsty, and craving something really cold. I couldn’t wait to hit that store, and when I did, I got a 40 oz orange juice and savored it over ice. I also filled both water bottles with ice and filled and drank them several times before I finally made it here. Yesterday, I had two 20 oz tea drinks and I filled and drank at least four, maybe five, of my 34 oz water bottles. So what concerns me is that tomorrow I will start up Highway 139, which is the 63 mile, little traveled, highway to Adin, which has no services. I am hoping that at least the CDF fire station is open, since it is about half way. If the weather was a little cooler I would not be as concerned, but it’s still suppose to be in the high eighties.

I had to hold my nose throughout the day. Why? Because I have never seen so many dead animals on the side of the road, and it seemed to get worse the closer I got to Susanville. Maybe the deer migration path? It was mostly deer, but interesting that there were multiple coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and a fox. Usually I would smell the deer before I saw them. I would estimate that there were at least 3-4 per deer per mile just before I got here. That must keep the CHP busy with accident reports. I’ll have to ask.

Besides my few challenges, the road here was very nice. It runs along Honey Lake, which is a dry alkaline lake bed. The whole lake seems to be rimmed by alfalfa farms, just like Scott Humphrey’s ranch. Traffic was not too bad today and slowed down as 395 split into two different directions towards Alturas. Once I hit 139 it will slow down even more.

I didn’t make Susanville, and my possible motel night, and my missed chance to have a shower. Luckily I have lots of baby wipes, and that is actually my nightly bath. I will have to wait until Adin for that real shower, if Adin even has a motel?

Susanville is a little less that nine miles away and a little past highway 139. I will make it a point to go to town first, even if I have to backtrack, because I want to fill up all my bottles and get ice too. I was even thinking of adding a third gallon bottle but there is no room and would add over eight more pounds. Ron the CHP is not working for next three days or he said he’d check on me. Maybe I’ll stop in the office and say hello, and tell them I’ll be walking 139? Unfortunately the Susanville office only covers the highway half way to Adin.

Service is suppose to be bad on the whole stretch of 139, so you may not get an update from me for a few days. Please continue to send me positive thoughts and prayers. Please excuse the typos, grammar, spelling, etc.

Ted