Day 8, Burlington Campground to Standish-Hickey, Redwoods, 47 miles

 Coldest night/hottest day!

Last night my camp neighbors did a campfire. I discovered there were 2 hiker biker sites, one closer to bathroom, so I moved 

Even though I didn't have a lot of miles to do, I was up early and packed to go. One reason being that if I was moving I'd warm up. I'd gone to bed in my usual wool long underwear and wool shirt plus a fleece and leggings on over long underwear. During the night I added a jacket and rain pants. This decision to leave early was the wise as you'll see.

By 11 I was in Garberville eating some lunch. And, already it was HOT. Like 90. I could feel the heat coming up off the pavement.

Definitely was not ready for that. 

I had about 22 miles to go and it was going to be a lot of climbing. It was so hard. I mean I did it and stayed in the saddle and stayed hydrated, but it was ugly. Thankfully the last 10 miles before I had to get back on 101 were a state route 271 with virtually no traffic. But HOT and not a lot of shade. Oddly enough, I'm following a river, but it makes no difference because slowly making way over the mountains. 

This is where a reality check comes in. Ever since I got to Standish-Hickey campground I've asked a few neighboring campers if they could take me and my bike over the mountain. Nada. Tomorrow I'll go out to the crossroads early and see, and if not, start up hopefully by 9. 

I'd love to stay on itinerary, but think doing Leggatt Hill (actually 2 big climbs) and the downhill and the other smallish ups, I'd only make it halfway to where I'd hoped to go. I believe I'll have to add a day. Or look for a regional bus to catch me up.

Anyway, part of my stress about Leggatt has to do with 1) the heat and the climbs and how both sap my energy, and 2) seeing the state of some fellow h/b campers. 

Upon entering the h/b site I saw 2 older guys. Older than me by probably 5 years. One guy was lying on the ground and didn't move. He could have been dead. It was hard to tell. The other guy looked up at me and said, "We're thinking of quitting." Not the greeting I was hoping for. Again, not sure what I was hoping for. 

Sometimes I feel old. Too old for what I'm doing. Then there are other times. I sat down at the picnic table with the guy still talking and asked about his pack list. I told him he could ditch a couple of items. Ship it home. Apparently the guy on the ground had talked him into the trip. They had started in SF and it had been hell. The hills, the wind (coming north they headed into it, mostly), The plan was to ride to Astoria where they'd begin their Trans-Am across the United States. So many more months and days and climbs and heat. He told me they had walked their bikes up Leggatt. I could not imagine. It must've taken forever! 

I said I was probably 50 lbs loaded, including water. He seemed astonished. "That much!"

That's when I realized he had no idea of how much he was carrying. My instincts had been correct to ask him to examine his gear. I also assured him Warmshowers was a great option, having hosts to break up the endless camping, h/b sites.

The other guy slept outside all night, on the ground, in his sleeping bag. This picture did not help my confidence.