Day 90 to 93: A Series of Unfortunate Events

(1327 to 1354, Drakesbad = 27 miles; 1354 to 1374, Hat Creek = 20 miles; 1374 to 1396, Hat Creek Rim = 22 miles; 1396 to 1423, Burney Falls State Park = 27 miles)

I haven't post anything lately, and unlike the Sierras, this time it is not because we have no reception.  No, I have had neither the time nor the energy to write much lately.  I also debated whether or not I should.  And if I did, what I would say.  We have had a series of unfortunate events taint our trip these past few days.  But Gumby says it is part of my Trail experience, and that's what this blog is about, so I should write about it.  With that, here goes. . . .  (My apologies if it's a bit jumbled.  I've written, deleted, and rewritten it too many times.  And now I am just ready to put it behind me.)

We have, in the words of Kindergarten Cop, been "stalked."  A fellow thru-hiker has made us uneasy through both his words and his actions as well as by his refusal to take no for an answer.  Everything culminated the night of the 90th, but continued on through the next afternoon, and we have been dealing with it since.

We and everyone around us have been on alert all week. Our families and close friends have a detailed report of the events and have proven to have the organization and grit of a small cavalry.  The hikers with us when everything happened and the next day know the details as well, and news travels fast on trail.  Kindergarten Cop confronted this person as soon as he heard.  We'll take more action as necessary.  Hopefully, this will just pass.  Meanwhile, we are making plans on what to do if it does not.

We are exhausted both physically and mentally.  We've had a couple of nights with five hours of restless sleep or less.  We are both uneasy about sleeping.  We are still trying to kick our sinus infections, and our feet are killing us.  We are trying to make time to rest up and get back to our usual schedule.  The two of us are as close and as strong as ever despite everything.  We will handle this as we have every other obstacle the Trail brings forth.  I'll keep you all posted as we move on.

We are trying to have fun despite everything!