Hello Everyone,

First I want to let you know that last night’s blog was written in a super hurry because I was running out of power in my iPad. I had no time to even give it a quick look over because I only had 6% power left and I wasn’t sure if I could even send it. I didn’t get to read my book on my iPad after that. If I have to make a decision as to whether to write a blog or read, and I think I’ll choose the reading. Sorry.

I have been having a little trouble charging with the solar charger on this trek and Mindee contacted Goal Zero today and their great customer service is sending me a new one to my Reno stop. All they wanted was a picture, so one strapped on my Wheelie probably looked legitimate.

I am camped about 11 miles south of Minden and about 14 miles north of Topaz, Nv. Yes, I made to Nevada today, which was actually only one mile from where I camped last night. Just as I crossed over the border at the sign, I met a young woman from Switzerland who took my picture for me and one for herself. Twenty minutes into my trek and I already met someone nice and interesting.

Right now I am camped about 200′ from 395 among the trees in a nicely wood and private area. Mindee has her iPhone program set to find my phone just in case something happens to me and no one can find me. That was a good idea of her to think of it. But, I’ll have to change my password when I get home or she will be following my whereabouts all the time. Ha ha.

I decided to camp here because it looked like I was getting into a populated area which makes it harder to find a nice spot, but I was ready to stop because I had a much harder day than yesterday. I really don’t mind the uphills if they are gradual and prefer them to downhills. Today though, I left a little overheated and had to sit down for a long while before beginning to setting up. I trekked 14.5 miles today.

Last night’s spot was really nice and I woke up to the sun rising over the lake. It was in the forties in the morning, but I sleep in my wool thermals just to keep my sleeping bag clean and also so I don’t have an excuses for not getting up. I know I am not in a rush, but the day always seems easier if I get an early start and today I found myself just sitting there after my morning meditation staring at the beautiful lake view. I could have stayed there for hours, but I knew it was going to be hot today.

I hit the road, which was fairly level until just before the border. From there it was a steep climb for about two miles with an elevation gain of about 600′. Luckily it was morning when I have more energy. The road then dropped down for about one mile and then uphill for about seven miles with a gain of 1,200′ overall. The temperature hit the mid nineties and I was glade when I found two mini marts within the first three miles and picked up some drinks. There were no stores or water after that. I did fill one gallon bottle with water too. I didn’t fill two because that’s an extra eight plus pounds. I was surprised because I drank four 34 oz drinks, one 20 orange juice, and then another 32 oz of water at dinner. I didn’t feel like I was sweating but I only went to the outhouse (bushes) one time and that was only about half cup’s worth. Not good.

I know, too much detail, but it concerns me a little because my plans put me through a desolate dry 64 mile stretch of Northern California where there are no facilities, houses, or water. I don’t know if my extra two gallons will hold me over through that area? The CHP office in the area told me there is only one fire station about half way through the stretch, which may be closed by then? I’ll see if I get there?

I am laying in my tent now and looking at the stars since I have been sleeping with one door open. It’s been a fairly full moon too and that has made the nights bright and beautiful.

So long for now, but I should be able to send an updated blog tomorrow since there is suppose to be cell service all the way to Reno. That is, if my solar charger works well enough. There was no ATT service from the Sonora Pass to Nevada. Everyone here has Verizon.

Please keep sending me positive thoughts (thanks for the positive emails too!), and prayers. Please excuse the typos, grammar, spelling, etc.

Ted