We are certain that this title has grabbed your attention. We left VVR on Thurs at 10:30 AM. It was a later start then we hoped for, but they don’t start the generator until 7:00 and we were stymied by fitting 9 days of food into an 8 day cooler, AKA bear canister. We got a lift from a man to the trailhead, that I might add cost us $10.00 a piece and a $5.00 tip. He was old afterall about Joaquin’s age. He recommended that we take the Bear Creek Trail instead of Bear Ridge as the climb would be more gradual and we would find plenty of water. This recommendation added 5 extra miles. He told us the majority of people take this route. 
What we soon discovered was not only did he forget to pull up his fly, he also gave bad hiking advice. The trail was extremely challenging and there were no other hikers. I understood how Moses felt as he lead his people to the promise land. He knew he was on a journey somewhere but was not quite sure which route to follow. We depend on our PCT phone app for directions, no we don’t have a map, and our app didn’t recognize this trail. Insert theme from Twilight Zone here.

Did we mention the mosquitoes yet?

Once again, thunderstorms were threatening. The trail took a turn and everything looked different, theme from Twilight Zone again. This section seemed rarely used, follage overgrown, bear poop and prints. We decided to turn back and devise plan B, insert theme from MASH here. At this point we thought the man was planning to return later to murder us, insert theme from Psycho shower scene. However, the trail was so treacherous we doubt he could even make it up the mountain. 

We hunkered down in the tent waiting for rain. We heard the tap, tap of hiking polls and Donedidit jump out of the tent to ask the hiker where we were. We were about three mile from the PCT. It was about six and not raining. But we decided to stay put and cook Cuban coconut black beans and rice.

Did we mention the dog that climbed trees? We have pictures, but the dog looks like a hole it the tree, so forget about it,

In spite of Donedidit’s constant use of Deet she is being eaten alive by Mosquitos . The Mosquitos know a good thing and the word is out! Let’s party on Donedidit’s blood. Not fun or attractive. Mind you we do not have a mirror and unless Joaquin says WTF is on the side of your head, I do not notice the lumps. Without a brush I now have dreadlocks! 

We finally hit the hay and were woken up at midnight with another 2 hour shower accompanied by lightening and thunder. These storms impact the various water crossings we must do tomorrow. No worry. 

Did we mention Mosquitos? BTW we are two days behind schedule:)