Day 156 (17 June)

1092.9 to 1113.4 (20.5 Miles) Scott Mountain Summit Campground to Parks Creek Trailhead Camp
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We slept reeeally well, but just can't manage to get up in the morning. After we've hit the snooze button a couple of times we finally get up and start hiking at 07.15am. Finally back on trail, this feels soooo nice! First we hike uphill and are already running into some northbound hikers. This is new, but we expected to be meeting way more hikers now. With the Sierra Nevada still completely covered in snow most hikers skipped up north to Chester and have been hiking north ever since. That's why there are here really early in the season. So, lots of hikers, lots of water sources from melted snow, and some wildlife. After 3 hours on trail we run into our first bear on trail. He's really close to us, it's a cub and it's so cute! But always upon seeing a cub by itself we start to wonder where the mum is, and then quickly back off. The cub quickly disappears before we have the chance to take a photo. 

​We take our breaky near a creek, in the sun. We've got hardboiled eggs this time - that's a first - which we eat with our Swiss mayonnaise and Aromat. Best idea ever. 

​But oh man, my feet hurt. This roadwork was the worst idea ever. Luckily the terrain isn't too demanding today, and very pretty. We are getting some beautiful and expansive views. This looks very different from last year, when there were no views for many weeks due to the smoke of wildfires. So this is really nice. 

So even though the terrain is easy we take many breaks. I think I broke my feet while hiking on the road yesterday. They cannot deal. I've been swallowing ibuprofen all day long. It's time we get into camp. But it's only noon. But we're not hungry at all. So time for a siesta in the shade. This is amazing! We are both asleep instantly. 

We are back at listening to podcasts and audiobooks. This helps a little bit to keep us going. The miles crawl by especially slowly towards the end of the day. We are taking soon many breaks! But we make it into camp eventually, and even get some reception to listen to some voice messages from friends. 

Couscous and The Great British Bake-off for dinner. We reached camp late so we only go to bed at 9.30pm today. We are destined for a late start tomorrow. What a vicious circle.