I Know This

I know that cooking at higher elevation takes longer but that it doesn't matter because you can cold soak ramen anyway.

I know that up-hills are better but they're still just as daunting as they were on day one.

I know that 35lbs is a lot to carry up a mountain.

I know that leaving town is hard, and not just logistically in finding a ride back out to nowhere.

I know that wet socks will make you miserable days after they've found the time to dry out.

I know that the State of Jefferson is the fourth state crossed by the PCT.

I know that service is rare and charge is fleeting, but I still wish I could talk to everyone all the time.

I know that it's best to wait until about 9am to try to skirt along a wall of snow.

I know that sometimes a little self-pity is what you need to get through the day.

I know that six hours and ten hours of sleep feel the same at 5am.

I know that I'm supposed to keep going, even though not a day has passed where I haven't uttered the words "I just want to go home."

I know it's the "Crest Trail" but every now and then I'm happy with the view halfway up the ridge.

I know that it's best to take water upstream from the trail.

I know that the only real cure for chafe is sleep.

I know that I won't always want to be out here, but that doesn't make days like today any easier.

I know that I need at least two liters of water in camp if dinner is going to be a Ramen Bomb.

I know that some days positivity can push you through an incredible 30 miles, and some days the trail is going to screw you no matter how much you smile.

I know that my air pad will make it until about 2am before I need to blow it up again.

I know that no matter how wet you think you are, you can always be wetter.

I know that if you wish in one hand and s*** in the other, the trail will still be covered in snow for the next ten miles.

I know that Confederate flags sill fly over parts of California.

I know that people will go to amazing lengths to help others achieve their dreams, no matter how ridiculous.

I know that the angrier you get, the more likely you are to trip.

I know that there are some things even Snickers bars and Mio can't fix.

I know this.