Day 81: It's the Little Things

(Mile 1148.5 to 1170.5 = 22 miles)

Sunrise at 5:45 a.m. You may not see it, but there was a rainbow. :)

Today was a pretty ordinary day.  Average ups and downs, a small pass, creeks, mosquitoes, some really great views ... but it was made better by a few little treats.

Early hikers get the views.

First, there were people!  A small army of trail runners passed us this morning, as well as a group that seemed to be a hiking club -- a club who allows DOGS to go, too! -- and a group of kiddos on some sort of summer camp-ish activity.  They all stopped to ask us about the trail.  This is always a good reminder that we are doing something out of the ordinary.  There were a number of smaller groups of hikers as well.  Regular people always spice things up!  And they smell good.  And wear white.

Castle headstands for Castle Pass!

And then there were the two road crossings today.  Highway 40 (Donner Pass!) and Interstate 80.  And I-80 had a rest stop at the crossing!  We have never been so excited about a rest stop in our lives.  Gumby got all wide-eyed at one point in the morning and turned to me and said, "They'll have outlets!"  She looked like a kid on Christmas.  And outlets they had.  As well as warm running water and flushing toilets.  Alas, no vending machines!  It was the perfect lunch stop.  We looked homeless once again, but we were happy.

The Peter Grubb Hut. What a treat!

The final treat, besides another incredible campsite on a ridge ... and a rainbow this morning! ... was a visit to the Peter Grubb Hut.  It's an on-trail building owned by the Sierra Club for hikers and skiers.  It was great!  Thick and grounded and clean with just enough funky features.  If it hadn't been so early, we would have stayed.  A wonderful little treasure along the trail.  If you're in the area, go and stay for us!

It was spin and span inside; rustic, cozy and inviting. Talk about a dream home!

We are still going a little crazy, but these little things helped us out today.  We'll see what tomorrow brings ... night!

Sunset from camp - solo night trail #2.