This will be a short post since not much happened today and I'm running out of battery.
Woke up expecting to feel exhausted but actually felt pretty good. Hip is scabbing over and I was able to use my hip belt without pain killers. The first 9 miles were rolling hills and I made great time. I even managed pretty well up the four mile climb to Barker Pass. No views all morning, just trees. Did find a tick nestled right along my tailbone. Pulled him out and he tried to scuttle off with a chunk of my ass still hanging from his mouth. He must have been riding in my sweaty butt crack since yesterday - almost felt sorry for him. Then I remembered he's a tick so I crushed him with a rock instead.
After lunch I was overcome with a sudden fatigue. The next 9 miles were also mostly uphill, and I definitely struggled. Got a nice view of Tahoe a few miles along the ridge (pictured), then down into a valley where I had my last trail dinner and washed in the river. Managed to accidentally rip what remains of one of my big toe nails in half.
One last struggle brought me up a 1000+ foot climb to the ski runs of Squaw Valley. Lots of snow still and I slid down quite a few slopes (some on purpose, some not). Worked around to the western slope in time for a beautiful sunset. Took a couple of pictures that are interesting.
Made it 34 miles despite exhaustion. One last push and I'll be off the trail tomorrow for a few days of rest. I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve. Who's ready for some R&R? (This guy)
