Day 53Butte County, California

After a wet night, I leave in a rain suit even though the sky has become dry again. The vegetation sipped with water leans on the trail and immediately soaks everything it touches. My shoes and socks are wet in the first few steps.

The descent to Belden remains crowded with trunks. I thought the trade was closed on Tuesdays, but it’s open. I arrived shortly after 12:00 and transformed what was supposed to be a quick break in 2 hours of rest: burger, sodas, ice cream, dry business and battery recharge. Someone also gives me a stopper to replace the one lost on my only bottle.

This break makes the evening goal unrealistic. It would take another 9 miles uphill and an arrival around 22:00. I decide to reduce the day and to take a half-day delay on the original plan. Arriving later at Old Station will allow me to actually enjoy the stopover instead of running after each schedule.

The hand evolves slowly, the feet remain fragile and the tick bite is still sensitive as a blue. Nothing is blocking, but the list of small problems is getting long.