Day 6: the challenge

Day 6: the challenge.
Just walking outside of Oakdale, I decided to call it quits. I took refuge under a few trees just off the road. Again the stars were out shining. Waking up early, the sun was already warm. Being already cooked and sunburned, I left my long sleeve pants and shirt on. Having learned that the biggest concern in sunburns is the lost of water, I didn't want to expose myself the sun again. For this was going to be my biggest challenge thus far. There wasn't going to be any restaurants or gas stations until the city of Groveland which was over 40 plus miles away from where I woke up. Planning ahead, I took along with me two bottles of water, poweraide, beef jerky, twizzlers, and moon pies. Oh!! And also an old hamburger. Trucking along, I found out how hot it really was. Is it possible to reach 80 degrees before 10:30 am?? It felt like it. The road was long, hilly, and boring. Quickly I went through my supplies. Jerky-gone, one water bottle empty, poweraide went like candy, and before I knew it, I only had my twizzlers, half of a bottle of water, and two moon pies left... And it was only noon. I told myself that I was going to take break until the heat passed so I just sat in the shade. After a couple of hours I decided to keep rocking. I still needed to cover a lot more ground. However, a bit later I relaxed in another shaded region. This time a family gave me a water...oh so good!! I then decided to start wearing my cooler clothes. Then on I went. A couple of more hours, I finally spotted an official Yosemite Park sign!! Getting close! Just 85 miles.... Onward I went. Then, as I crossed through the Chinese Camp (a real place. It's on the map and signs), I found a market!! Ice cream, cranberry juice, and a sandwich for dinner..? I think yep! After the makeshift dinner, I still had more ground to make. Becoming darker, I realized the beauty around me! Green grass, evergreens,hills, and even rivers and lakes. I think I may unravel my sleeping bag here next to this amazing lake! I need to make it to Groveland for a late breakfast and hopefully finish up near the entrance of the road leading into the park!
Song in my head... Something about the way you look tonight by Elton John.

Lord you are amazing!