Beaver Valley E2E - Day 2

 

Today's Stats:

Distance: 25.9 km 
Elevation Gain: 1381m 
Weather: 20 deg and overcast
Duration: 5h 29 min
Avg Pace: 12:45

Finished 16th

Thoughts from after:  

Today was everything yesterday wasn't.  I was significantly slower but not actually as slow as I'd expected.  Similar elevation today but it felt much easier as they were long slow climbs rather than straight up.   The views were amazing, in multiple locations throughout.   And the terrain was a serious adventure - at times almost rock climbing (both up and down).   And even a nice river walk for a short while.  I walked a good part of the first half with another woman who I quite enjoyed chatting with, and then the second half almost entirely by myself which was lovely.  And far enough away from others that nature sounds had started back up.   Really nice.

During:

6 - Stomach is not happy w me this am and v little sleep - could make today interesting 

7:35 - Crazy fog lines this am - perfectly sunny, then a wall of fog and very little visibility 

Loved the sunbeams through the trees

9:05 - This is 100 times better than yesterday. Amazing terrain and amazing views. I’m definitely slower, but not as much as I thought and the chatty hiker with the shrill voice is far ahead and can't be heard ;)

9:32 - I am apparently the "Solo Hiker With the Bouncy Pony Tail" I’ll take that 😂    The pony tail will stop bouncing by the end of the day, but that amused me for the moment.

Rocks early in

1215 No need for scenic caves whatsoever after today’s adventure.   So many rocks - sometimes going up, sometimes going down.  Often requiring 2 hands to navigate.  Lots of crevices.  So much fun. 

So earlier on this year, I noticed that when I’m going up a steep hill, especially if I’m tired, I put my hands on my hips. I have no idea why I do this.  It makes no sense at all, but today I noticed two other women doing the exact same thing so I’m really curious why that’s a natural thing to do when trying to get up a sleep hill. 

1230 on the easier parts I’m trying to convince myself to move a little faster so I actually finish today but I really am enjoying the peace and quiet. I haven’t seen anybody for quite some time and it is just so stunningly gorgeous and a lovely day.