Highlights:
1. Waking up to stunning morning views that made the early start worthwhile.
2. Reconnecting with old friends and trail companions.
3. Practicing non-sleep deep rest meditation with Semper Dry—an unexpectedly calming moment for him.
Daily Summary:
• Distance hiked: 51 km
• Starting point: km 3727
• Ending point: km 3778
• Weather conditions: Sunny
Daily Reflections: Lizards, Meditation, and Miles
Some days on the trail feel like everything aligns just right—the weather, the pace, the scenery. Today was one of those days, with a few unexpected moments tossed in.
The morning greeted me with a beautiful sunrise that made all the soreness of the previous day worth it. The trail stretched out before me, bathed in golden light, and I hit the ground running, covering 10 miles by noon. Things were going smoothly, that is, until I had to dig a cat hole. That’s when it happened—I accidentally killed a small lizard while digging. Not exactly my proudest trail moment. Poor little guy never saw it coming, and I felt a twinge of guilt. It was a stark reminder that even simple tasks out here have their consequences.
By early afternoon, the heat was creeping in, and both Semper Dry and I were ready for a well-deserved break. We found a cool stream and took the opportunity to soak our feet. While there, I introduced Semper Dry to non-sleep deep rest meditation. It’s something I do every day, but for him, it was a new experience. We sat in the shade, our feet in the water, and just let our minds and bodies relax. It wasn’t the same as a nap, but it worked wonders. Semper seemed genuinely surprised at how much it helped him recharge.
The overall climb today was a tough one—2,000 meters of elevation gain spread throughout the day. It wasn’t just one steep climb, but the slow, steady grind that wears you down mile after mile. Still, the views along the way were breathtaking, and that helped keep the exhaustion at bay.
By the time the sun began to set, we were closing in on the end of the day, and I could feel every one of those 51 km in my legs. But there’s a sense of accomplishment that comes with pushing your limits like that. As we set up camp, the landscape quieted down, and I prepared to crash for the night.
I’m writing this while feeling a pleasant ache all over—exhausted but content. Time to sleep. Good night.
