Day 90: Lake Aloha - ⛺@ mile 1'127.2

Date: 06.07.2018 Miles hiked today: 28.5 miles / 45.86km Total Mileage: 1'127.2 It was a windy night but the wind stopped somewhen during the night. I got up at 5:15am and the sun just started to rise, colouring the cloudy sky in gorgeous colours again. Today is the day were I start hiking solo, meaning that I leave Joanne and Irene. My aim is to hike 25-30 miles now but as Irene just started hiking they will probably hike around 15 miles a day. Lets see how far I make it. Since a long time I have to climb a pass again today, Dick's Pass (no comment!). The trail to Dick's Pass is beautiful, only going uphill gently, passing many lakes and stunning views. The trail however is rather hard due to big stones, gravel and roots making it hard to hike fast. I take many pictures and short breaks, not making the progress I aimed for. Shortly befor the top of the pass I run into slip n' slides. He his hiking with his dad and hence also going slower. The wind is picking up and the temperatures are rather cold! It's still very cloudy and i hope it doesn't start to rain!But the views are stunning. While I eat my granola cereal (They finally fit in my food bag again after getting rid of the bear can, but they also add weight!) for breakfast on the top of the pass also Philly joins. As i want to hike at least 15 miles before lunch I move on. The trail is better, although there are still some stones and gravel. But my backpack is heavy and I can feel the weight. After hiking totally 14.5 miles I stopp for lunch next to a little stream. Dingo joins and offers half of his avocado. My tuna sandwich tastes so much better with this avocado, it's actually yummie:) I don't stop long, less than an hour before I move on. Shortly later I run into Princess. I'm already tired and its still more than 10 miles to go. Further down the trail I also meet Bits and Mips and a little later Cheez-it, Monster, Princess and Tinkles are breaking. I join them. All afternoon I was bumping into people and making little breaks (also because I'm tired and take every chance for a break:) ). While sitting there suddenly Philly comes along. Here we are again! While Philly only wants to hike about 3 more miles I would like to push it 8.5 more miles. Seems like Princess, Tinkles, Cheez-it and Monster have the same idea however they started their hike a couple of miles after me this morning. This 8.5 miles are hard for me. I break several times, nearly after each mile but I'm stubborn and just want to get there! 2 miles before my camp a run into a women I have seen several times today, but I don't know who she is. I can see she is also a thru hiker but we haven't yet met. It turns our she is also Swiss! How funny, there are so many Swiss people on the trail this year! We hike on for a mile where she decides to pitch her tent. Only 1.5 miles more for me. I've eaten some dried apricots and again they seem to help (or may it was the thought of reaching camp asap!). It must have been around 7.30pm when i finally reach the tent site. Because this tent site is next to a small river and the only reliable water source for the next 8 miles or so there are many hikers here tonight. I've hiked 28.5 miles today. It was a hard day but worth it. Thus is my new record too! And i didn't even notice but I missed the 1'100 mile marker this morning! :( Tomorrow I've planned to hiked 27.2 miles to reach Donner Pass (free 40 ounces cobra beer and dinner!), so I better make sure to pitch my tent, get water and cook dinner soon so I can go to bed asap.