Trout Lake - Dave is back!

Well, what a difference a day makes.

Dave slept well last night even though it stormed all night. Everything he had was either damp or wet, but his down kept him warm. He didn't stay in his tent until the rain moved on, but he got up and hiked the 10 miles to road 23. There he found three other hikers. Before long, a car came by and offered them a ride, but only had room for three. Since Dave was in last, he stayed behind. The driver said that he'd come back for Dave. Dave had hoped that Zero, Fire Marshall, and Redhead would show up by then. After 45 minutes, a truck came by and gave Dave a ride into Trout Lake. There was no sign of the guys.

Last night, the other guys stopped around 9:40 and were about 5 miles behind Dave. Dave figures that they will show up sometime tonight in town. Dave is staying at a motel about a mile outside of town where a handful of other hikers are staying. Laundry is almost done, packages have been picked up, the backpack needs to be repacked, warm clothes are being worn, and a new attitude is surrounding Dave. He said that the continuous rain dampened his spirits. Dave is looking forward to getting on the trail early tomorrow and already has a ride set up to get him back to the trail. There isn't rain in the forecast until Tuesday. Dave is hoping to put some miles between him and the rain.

And so, the hike continues... with a smile. Dave thanks everyone for their prayers. He askes them to keep on coming. (He's asking for minimal rain.) I thank everyone for their prayers. After my conversation with Dave last night I was worried, as much for his emotional well being as for his health. He's promised that his health is great. The emotions are up and down, but thankfully more up than down.

Dave didn't hit his spot tonight, but he is at Trout Lake. He left the trail at PCT mile 2237, at road 23, and is another 13.8 miles into town.

Trail Angel Jane