We begin today with a big happy birthday to my partner Chris as he enters his 60th year - we have lived on the edge for 102 days and I hope this upcoming year gives him good health and new opportunities.

I slept in until 2:13am and left the rig at 3:30am into an immediate climb up to Little Antelope Summit which was 12 miles and around 2,000’ of vert. When I reached the summit I was not feeling great as it was cold and my joints weren’t too happy. As I crested the summit, the sun came up and as I warmed up I felt much better coming down. I haven’t seen any big animals in some time and after reading a sign about a primary deer crossing could only wish that I might spy something. My wish was granted as I came very close to a majestic elk with massive antlers. I took a video as he watched me moving and then decided to just move up to the top of the hill. I highly recommend watching it for I haven’t seen anything like it on this trip.

The day assaulted my senses - cold and climbing in the morning, afternoon of heat on the desert/valley floor, 50 mph wind coming in with hail and rain as I finished the last 10 miles. Sensory overload has me super tired -

We are on track to make Carson City by the 18th and then Carmichael/Sacramento by the 21st. This will give me time to make it to Mill Valley by the 25th and Muir Beach on the 26th. Need to keep up 35+ miles per day to do this.

Finally, for Chris’ birthday he made us a short rib and oxtail stew. What a treat! Served with a Cabernet it was heavenly.

Thank you for your support.

Cheers,

David.

Too many spectacular pictures of the sunrise this morning as I came off the summit and had different light and angles.

Afternoon storms that brought high wind, hail and rain