Etna - Marble Valley Cabin
Hey Smolaks!
It was great seeing you guys at Nick & Ashley's wedding! I just heard about Nick's new job with Zippo! Exciting news! All of us will have to meet up in Pittsburgh again sometime.
Well, I always say that you never know how your day is going to end when your on the trail. Nine out of ten times I say this after a rough day that ends on an unforeseen high note. We've had cold rainy days end with hot showers & warm food; days that seem to be all uphill ending with a epic sunset; and days where we haven't seen a soul, ending surrounded by good friends.
Today started out looking like it was going to be an all around good day! We ate a huge breakfast & we found a ride out of town first thing in the morning. Usually the first day back on trail is tough & your pack feels heavy but not today! We flew up & down the beautiful Northern California mountains with ease. At lunch Karrie made the most delicious avocado sandwiches! After lunch I saw one of the bluest lakes I've seen since the Sierras. We made it into camp before all of our friends, set up the tent, & started cooking.
Then, just as my dinner was about ready to eat, I felt it. Something wet had landed right on the top of my head. Without any hesitation I knew exactly what had happened... I had just been crapped on by a bird.
Arg! One day out of town! I was still clean! I was just about to eat! Needless to say, I was not happy. To add insult to injury, all of our friends were starting to arrive, the only water around was an ice cold spring, & as I prepared to wash off I ripped a button off my shirt.
In retrospect, I'm sure it could have been worse, but as I poured that freezing water over my head, life seemed pretty miserable. Fortunately for me I have an amazing girlfriend who had finished making my dinner for me & offered to fix my shirt while I ate. Despite this evening being what it was, life has been pretty great lately so I'm still in good spirits.
I hope you guys are having a great summer!
Love,
Jake & Karrie
24 miles