Wizard me this: What (NOT) to do when you encounter a rattlesnake

I would assume that most of you would not have to be told this...but considering my boyfriend is pretty smart and has a masters degree, he lacks common sense sometimes which is why I feel it necessary to post this...and I think it's rather amusing (after the fact).

We were heading uphill from Mission Creek late afternoon, exhausted from the days heat and had about 8 more miles to hike to reach camp. We hit this one section where you had to beware of this extremely poisonous plant called the Poodle Dog Bush. Apparently it's way more painful than poison ivy/oak if you come into contact with it. At one point I just laughed to myself because it felt like I was in a video game. Not only did I have to concentrate on my breathing, foot placement, and snakes, but now I had to be extremely wary of this damn poodle dog bush...and I didn't even know what the hell it looked like (thankfully it was pointed out to us when we first came across it but this stuff was dominating the trail!). So here we are calling out to each other, "poodle dog left! Poodle dog right!" when someone ahead of us on the trail yells to us, "rattlesnake up here if anyone's behind us!" We call back thanking them for the warning and then I make Dan get in front since I'm always the one who has to come across the hissing sound of rattles first...and he just finds my reactions to snakes so amusing so I told him to see how well he reacts to it.

Well, we keep walking and we are both nervously laughing because we just know its coming, we just have no idea when. Now we've just left video game mode and entered haunted house mode...you know, when you get that feeling where you just know something is about to jump out and scare the bejeezus out of you and there's nothing you can do about it? Yeah...that's what it felt like. Annnnd then the rattles went off! Dan bolted and just left me in the dust and then spins around, falls to the ground and yells out "It got me!"

Ummmm...excuse me? Yo dawg, you're going to have to clarify that statement. What in the hell do you MEAN it just got you?!?! Panic mode starts to set in. I can't tell if Dan is laughing or crying as he's squirming on the ground trying to get up. I scan the perimeter and noticed the two guys who warned us earlier standing on the switchback above us watching this entire scenario unfold. They look panic stricken too. Again I scream to Dan, "what does that mean??? Were you bit??" he responds laughing, "no! It got me! As in it scared the crap out of me! I wasn't ready for that!"

So after its settled that Dans ok, he gets up and tells me that snake isn't budging so I'm going to have to walk around it. Normally this would be fantastic advice but I look up and realize the entire other side of the trail is Poodle Dog Bush. Dammit! There was nothing else to do but gun it. I just ran past it as fast as I could and smacked Dan on the arm telling him to never cry out "it got me!" again when we see a snake (unless it in fact does get you). We ran into the two guys that witnessed this the next morning and they confirmed that they were playing out in their heads how to get a helicopter in to save Dan. What a dummy. Glad he wasn't hurt but c'mon, really? "it got me"???

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

San Jacinto...oh how I crushed you.

The past few days we have been going through the San Jacinto mountains located in the San Bernardino Wilderness, which are no joke. They are often referred to as the 'Mini Sierras.' We hiked up a 9,000 foot mountain in a day and a half, which was no easy feat. We trudged through giant mounds of snow, and climbed majorly steep inclines that would make RG3 cry. I must admit, there was a point in the day that I threw down my hiking poles and almost called it quits. Every now and then I go through these 'diva' moments where I get super cranky and get flustered and thats when Dan knows it's time to feed me a power bar. He compares these tantrums to the Snickers commercials where one man out of a group of friends turns in to Betty White or Roseanne Barr until they're fed a Snickers Bar. After I'm fed I'm good to go. Yesterday may have been the toughest day yet. I thought it was going to be a walk in the park since we were descending about 6,000 feet...but no. We had 15 miles to climb down until our next water source. Let me break down our days for you so you can get a better idea of what we're working with...

Every morning we wake up at about 5:00-5:30AM to get dressed, eat breakfast, doctor up our battle wounds on our feet, and break down our tents. We start hiking at about 6:00-6:30AM. We've been averaging about 2 miles per hour and hope to reach at least 15 miles a day. Each day we have one goal in mind and that is to reach our next water source. However, our water sources are never a guarantee and therefore we carry as much water as possible. I typically carry 4 Liters a day. That may not sound like a lot, but when you are carrying 35 pounds on your back, those 4 Liters feel like you are carrying the weight of a linebacker on your shoulders..not to mention, the water goes quickly so while you're trying to keep hydrated, you also have to gauge your consumption just in case there isn't any water where you're headed.

So...back to yesterday. We had to climb down this mountain and I only had about 2 liters left from the day before. Fifteen LOOONG miles to the next water source. We left the beautiful snowy mountains to climb back down to dusty, hot, desert hills (I'm not a fan). Also had my second encounter with a rattlesnake...also, not a fan. Finally, we reach the water source which was this random water fountain in the middle of nowhere. We realized there are no great places to set up camp so we decided to keep walking to where some other hikers were staying. Another 7 miles and we finally reach out desitination which was this home of amazing Trail Angels (THANK YOU SO MUCH ZIGGY AND THE BEAR!!!!! WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!!). I gained a few more blisters thanks to the hot sand...BUT...we did hit our first 22 mile day which is pretty rad, AND we also hit our 200 mile mark!!!! Woo hoo!!!

I have received many inquiries about how/where to send me care packages and/or letters. I will try my best to keep you all posted as to where my next stop is. You'll just have to tell me if you sent me something and at which Post Office since we're not hitting up each Post Office along the way. Please don't feel obligated to send me anything, but if you choose to, here are some things that are always appreciated (also keep in mind of weight...we are trying to cut weight in our packs as much as possible) - Ramen, Dried Fruit, Baby Wipes, travel size sunblock, Slim Jims/Beef Jerky, Power Bars, Powerdered Gatorade, Trail Mix, Facial Wipes, Granola Bars, Pop Tarts, Mac and Cheese)...you know...all the stuff you ate in college and all the stuff that probably isn't good for you. We try to eat as many calories as possible so we graciously accept high calorie/high sodium foods :) Not sure how quickly we'll get here, but the next stop we will resupply in is Wrightwood. The address is:

Wrightwood PO, 1440 State Hwy 2
Wrightwood CA92397

Missing everyone!

Oh...and congratulations to Laura and Ryan on their wedding!!! I'm so sorry I couldn't be there to celebrate but it looks like it was a beautiful ceremony and Laura, you looked absolutely stunning! Love you both!

~Dubs