43 Miles

Well, today's 22.2 miles put us 43.0 total miles into the trip. Today wasn't as bad, except, we were very disappointed to arrive in Mt. Laguna only to find everything closed. Dinner ended up being at a visitors center that was closed on a picnic table. Three big pluses today, 1. we went 22.2 miles, 2. we found gas for our stove at a campground, 3. Found electricity to charge our electronics. Gaining 3000 ft still was not as bad as the first day. We did have to stealth camp off the trail. I'm under some pine tree. Caleb found a but of a better spot, he is a better outdoorsman I suppose, for now.

Let me answer a couple of your questions. "Why do you wear a CAT hat?" CAT has been a Blevins family company for generations. Mainly through my Papaw, who worked there his entire life. It was he who was the man to introduce most of his grandkids to the outdoors. While he truly enjoyed hunting and fishing, I think my experience turkey hunting with him might have been considered hiking. After getting tired of sitting, I convinced the man who has been turkey hinting (successfully) to move from his spot and hike miles over the mountain all day. At the end of the day he simply said "How about next time we try my way".