Okay, D18 is August 27. I am sore from the longer than expected days, fatigued due to the rain and cold, and to top it off, I get rain delayed all morning just to open my tent flap to wind, rain and yes, I’m in a cloud.

Overnight, I believe God to be testing the strength of my tent and my ability to sleep through it all… I was warm (I opened up two handwarmers) just, wet… Everything was wet to some degree. So I packed up in the sleet and the wind because staying still isn’t what I wanted to do.  I took no pictures of the misery, I hiked over the pass at 12,800 ft and I was getting depressed.

I was blessed with some sunlight, but I decided to bail and head into St. Elmo for somewhere dry and warm.

I ran into a very interesting man who I instantly connected with.  Lee is a Messianic Jew.  This means he is of Jewish belief that combines Jesus as the messiah.  I wrote down 11 scriptures and 5 book titles that I need to read before hitching a ride to the Mt. Princeton hot springs for a bed.

OH AND GET THIS

So I flag down a car to see if I can snag a ride, the first car is full, but the second one had room.  The three other passengers and I start talking about this and that. (I kind of like talking about myself, sorry all).

Turns out, I’m riding with DeAndre Yedlin’s grandparents and great uncle! I was so ecstatic and overwhelmed to be randomly riding with folks related to such a great player! I really hope they look up my website and read this! Oh and if there are spare tickets, let me know via email at John@bumblingabout.com

Thanks for the ride and recuperating my collegiate west hike! Optimism is again at full!!!