May 28

zero miles hiked

In the morning we wake, and talk a bit with Sergio. An avid fisherman, he first learned about the PCT after encountering hikers while trout fishing in the area. For the past 4 years he has been hauling water up for hikers. We give him a small amount of money to help with this generous endeavor, give our thanks, and say our goodbyes.

Amber’s Dad was in California visiting family and is driving 6 hours each way to come visit us for a day. We would be embarrassed to have him stay in our usual rat den motel, so we buy two rooms at the nicest motel we have stayed in yet- compete with a pool and Jacuzzi and gym.

We swim for a bit and I use the hotel gym.

Amber buys spa style facemasks to try to heal her sun damaged face

We eat an early lunch before Craig arrives, and then eat again at a buffet when he gets to town. I eat 6 plates. Amber and Craig are far more sensible.

My stomach feels like an overloaded water balloon.

A few hours later we eat dinner at a Japanese steakhouse. I am not hungry at all but eat another meal. The waitress asks what I would like to drink. I ask for a water, and she brings me a 660mL Japanese beer, apparently misunderstanding me. I feel like a child who was caught smoking cigarettes and was then forced to smoke an entire pack to be taught a lesson.

We leave the restaurant and I am semi comatose. I fall asleep quickly after arriving back at the motel, much to Amber’s annoyance.