Day 8Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California

I cross the San Jacinto Mountains and camp on a ridge that is very exposed to the wind, but has a beautiful view on both sides. The end of the day is difficult. Pain appears at the front of my ankle or around the muscle that lifts my foot. Climbing and descending become painful, so I stop before reaching the planned 30 miles.

I pitch my tent, prepare a freeze-dried meal with more than 1,000 calories and realize that I am barely hungry despite the effort, even though it is my only real meal of the day. The next morning, the trail continues along the ridges, through partially burned areas and around many fallen trees. The pain is less intense in the morning, but I prefer not to push it. The priority is being able to last over time.