I was on the trail at 7:00 and passed General, Moosh, and Sunshine who passed my camp after dark last night. I had already fallen asleep when I heard their voices and saw their bobbing headlights through my tent. I had met them earlier when I detoured for lunch at at Big Sandy lodge.

Today consisted of a lot of ridge crossings to try to get as far east as possible before entering the basin.  I’ve seen some glimpses of the basin now and then and it looks very intimidating – a whole lot of nothing.  No trees or anything to offer shade.  I’m thinking of picking up an umbrella and a Mylar emergency blanket to reflect the sun off my tent when I get to Lander.

On a positive note I’ll finally be able to ditch my bear spray. I continue to struggle with low energy during the midday.  Mornings and evenings I feel like a real thru hiker.  But midday I feel like a worn out old man.  I think it could be lack of protein or maybe I’m just not putting enough food in me in the morning.  I shall continue to experiment.  Today’s experiment was electrolytes.  I took 4 at lunchtime and it made no difference.  I did feel better after yesterday’s burger, but maybe that was just because I rested for an hour while eating.

I did 25 miles today trying to make up for all the nonsense yesterday.  That puts me 8 miles from the highway where I will try to hitch into Lander tomorrow.

I saw one Nobo thru hiker today, but forgot his name.