Day 47Homewood, California

I leave at about 05:00 after a tortilla-Nutella breakfast. I have prepared a detailed plan for Northern California, and then I realize that there is no point in planning everything too far: opening hours, weather, shape and desires will necessarily change the itinerary.

The immediate goal is simpler: a big day today, then about 26 miles tomorrow to arrive early at Donner Ski Ranch and enjoy the services available. Then Sierra City will return the bear canister and finally lighten the bag.

I bought Aquaphor for my hand, the balm already seems to calm the irritation. Also applied to crevices that appeared at the feet after whole days in cold and wet socks. My only regret at Lake Tahoe is that I didn’t find any gaiters or shoes with a Vibram sole, but I could re-evaluate it later.