Mile 1156 to 1184.7
Bedazzled and I awoke to the sounds of Highway 80 as we packed up our cowboy camp. The sun was still below the horizon and the trees stood tall waiting for the first light.
We, however, had some walking to do and headed out of camp toward the highway. We soon passed Olaf who had shared our campsite. She looked stiff and was hobbling up the trail.
Today was a count down of sorts. At some point during the day, Bedazzled and I would cross the 1179.4 mile mark, which would mean that Bedazzled and I have hiked 1,000 miles together. I still remember when Burnout, Voldy, and I saw her in the Red Kettle in Idyllwild wipping tears from her eyes as she headed for the exit. I wonder how her and my hike would have been different if I hadn’t called out to her. Now we are the only two left of Group V2. Group V1 was Burnout, Voldy, and I. Group V2 was formed when Bedazzled joined.
Bedazzled has gone from a quiet girl who followed Burnout, Voldy, and I around day after day hardly saying a word to a fearless lady who was scouting river crossings in the Sierra. Not to mention she also served as a safety swimmer when Viper and I swam across Wide Creek. It has been a real joy to watch Bedazzled become more experienced and mature over these last 1,000 miles. I can only wonder at the ways in which I too have changed.
As we crossed under the highway, we kept our all-day pace from yesterday and made good time on good trail. We crossed through fields of lupine, wild strawberry, and sage as we walked along ridges with views of rolling hills speckled with trees.
After lunch in a meadow, we started the countdown to the 1,000 mile mark. “Only 7 more miles,” said a smiling Bedazzled. As we continued, my feet started to hurt and I stepped aside to let Bedazzled take the lead. Soon she was ahead and I was playing catch up. When I came around a bend, she was walking slowly and looking at her phone. She looked up and said, “we’re at mile 999. What’s that in German?” She knew that I had just learned the German numbers from 1 – 1,000 yesterday. “Umm neun hundert neun und neunzig,” I stammered. Has the student become the teacher?
We stopped to get water .1 miles from the 1,000 mile mark and again I was quizzed. “neun hundert neun und neunzig comma neun,” I managed. I secretly thanked the stars that the German word for 9 sounds almost like the English one.
As we left the water, I had my phone in my hand waiting for the .1 mile to tick down to zero. I looked back and Bedazzled was doing the same. We both laughed. Before we knew it, we had reach mile 1179.4. We dropped our packs and hugged. While at the water, I had proposed that we should each come up with a favor to ask the other when we reach the 1,000 mile mark and we both agreed. I asked Bedazzled for a kiss on the cheek or a foot massage. She could choose which. She hadn’t thought of one in the .1 miles from the water so I gave her until camp that night.
With no champagne on hand, we held up a toast of water and cheered to the last 1,000 miles and the next 1,000 yet to come.
I remember the first day you hooked up with Bedazzle. She was so upset she couldn’t get in touch with her family because of the time difference. She must have felt so lost and discouraged being in this country speaking a different language among strangers with the long road before her. So glad you where there to support her. In return she has made this adventure so much better for you. You both look happy even with all you’ve been through so far!! Loving your updates and Awesome photography. Happy trails!!
Your attentive readers have noted the unkempt state of your cheeks and the dirty, sweaty, calloused condition of your feet. You might be asking for too much with that one Owen.
I figured this was the only occasion where one of the two might happen. 🙂
Congratulations 🎉 to you both on your partnership through a 1,000 miles!
I am so glad you noticed Bedazzled in Idyllwild. Being in a foreign country missing family is hard! Marc and I love following your adventure, amazingly beautiful pictures AND the smiles on your faces….Journey on PCTers😀and stay safe, Peggy
Hi Harley, thank you very much for having picked up my granddaugther Bedazzled 1000 miles ago!! Perhaps she would never have reached this aim without you and the others of your group. – Daily I’m reading your blog with the phantastic fotos.I wish you good luck for the next 1000 miles! Eva
Congratulations!!!! May your journey continue to be blessed with good health and good trail buddies! way to go…great commentary and pictures today. The 1000 mile photo, you can’t look at without smiling for you two and what you have accomplished. Hugs!
Congratulations for you and bedazzled to your common 1000 miles. During the first weeks of bedazzled trail we were indeed a bit afraid about the lonley hiking. But since bedazzled joined the groups V1, V2, we calmed down from day to day and now after you passed the sierras and you are always together we are proud of you both!! We hope you stay together the rest of the pct.