To Neenach Cafe
5/11/25
Start: 508.1 Horse Camp
End: 517.6 Neenach Cafe
Trail miles: 9.5
Sleeping system: cowboy camping in a room
Total miles: 399.5
Today's ascent: 1011'
I got up to a beautiful sunrise and people were already heading out of camp. I ate my 20g protein bar and packed everything up. There was no sign of Big Bill and Shortcut, so when I had everything packed I went over to let them know I was heading out. Shortcut was dead to the world asleep, but Big Bill was up so I told her my plan and wished them a wonderful hiking day.
It was a lot of downhill, and more on the solid surface with the little sand on top for extra fun. A lot of the trail was overgrown, but it honestly wasn't that bad. It wasn't very rocky and mostly the trail was intact, so overall I appreciated it. But it was definitely a PUDs day. It was also a day of hiking north, then east, then SOUTH, then west, then south, East, South, West and finally eventually I headed back north again. Honestly with this trail. Sometimes it's very frustrating.
I booked it to Hikertown where we were quickly offered a ride to Neenach Cafe. I got in the car with Scotty and Boots! It was nice to see Boots again.
We got to the cafe and I immediately ordered a breakfast burrito and a chocolate shake, and bought a mountain dew Baja blast, because that's the only mountain dew they carry.
I learned the shower protocol and took a shower, rinsed my super salty clothes, and peeled off the tegaderm from last weekend's misadventure. It's healing really well!
I went back out to the cafe (out front) and hung out with the hikers. GingerStep and Dealer, Poppins and Turnkey, Steve and Jo, Boots, Scotty, Cactus and eventually Big Bill and Shortcut were all here today. It's so fun, it's like a family reunion every time we all get to town.
I later had a vanilla milkshake, the second half of my burrito, and some Cactus soda drink. It was tasty.
Through Big Bill and Shortcut I met Slim, who seems to currently be in charge of who gets to stay in the room at the back of the cafe. Due to my "OCD" tendencies and my "pharmacy" of fun (mostly things to avoid GI issues), Slim decided I was worthy of staying in the room, and then Big Bill and Shortcut were invited in as well. It's pretty nice, although it's hotter than outside. Also the cat keeps jumping in through the window and terrorizing us.
To adventure and beyond!
Love, Mission
