Crushing My Knees

Tule Spring (mile 136.5) to Highway 74 (mile 151.9)
(15.4 miles, +3,000/-1,700 feet).

Today was day two of a two day trip.  Overnight it was really cold, in the 20s.  I kept my water bottle near me in the tent and as soon as I got out this morning it started freezing up.

We decided to start well before sunrise this morning because we had gone to bed so early the night before.  I kept on my base layers and all my clothes for a good part of the hike because of the cold.

It was beautiful in the dark with MixMaster’s headlamp and the nearly-full moon, but none of my pictures came out.

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First light
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Cotton candy sunrise

I thought my knees hurt yesterday, but that was just a preview of coming attractions.  MixMaster was very kind to walk at my slow pace for a bit, but at a certain point he needed to stretch his legs to deal with his own aches and pains.

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MixMaster sets the pace

The last part of the hike near Coyote Canyon was really pretty, but I was in too much pain to snap any photos.  I sang to myself to get down the last couple of miles.

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My knees thank god when we reach the highway

I think I found my limit on this two day trip.  No more 20+ mile days in winter when daylight is limited and we have to rush.

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