By Zachary Sheldon |
Published Jan 31, 2024
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We were packed up and on the go by 9am. We were a mile into the tussocks when we decided to scrap our route and cut across to the mountains. We were sick of walking on tussocks and figured that once we got off the flats things would get better. We changed from a southwest heading to nearly due west. This was going to shave a mile off the flats.
When we got to the base of the mountain there was a stream. It was wide enough that we couldn't jump so we walked a little way till we found a place to cross. Relief was just on the other side of the stream. Or so we thought.
We crossed the stream and not only were there more tussocks! They were bigger tussocks! While hiking uphill! And these ones were full of boggy water! And the flies seemed to get worse! But it wasn't going to last much longer. Yes, it was!
An hour later and only 200ft higher we arrived at a stream. The ground was rocky, the water was fresh and cold, tucked among willow thicket and a floor lined with moss. It was relief from the heat. I walked around with my boots off and just let my feet breathe. We rested for nearly a half hour, crying to each other about how miserable it just was and laughing too. But at least now we were in mountainous terrain. Wrong!
We continued wrapping around and ascending the mountain, in minor tussocks, primarily a little spongey but firmer than the last set.
We stopped now 800ft above the valley floor. We had some snacks and water. Eric had a Nootropic Icing Keto Brick and we had some Heathers Choice Packaroons. The cherry almond was quite tasty.
20 minutes later we started hiking again. Previously I was setting the pace and waiting for Eric. But before long he was kicking my butt and far out pacing me. It was like the Nootropic Keto Brick was loaded with adrenaline, steroids, and crack. Or so we joked. He was hauling it up the mountain and feeling great. Meanwhile I was feeling beat. "Just put one foot in front of the other..." No....! It was back. That stupid song was back in my head.
By the time I was 400ft higher Eric was another 200ft higher than me. I would walk 10 steps and rest, walk 8 steps and rest. Till finally I was in the high valley. I dropped my pack, hydrated and wandering back northeast around the mountain. I wanted one last look at the stretch we had just covered.
