Central California
Starting: Section I3 - Glen Aulin
Ending:  Section I5 - Benson Pass

A long night last night. The action began around 10 pm with Cookie Monster yelling at the top of his lungs. A bear had tried to get his pack, which he had been using as a pillow. The bear slowly made his way around the camp- you could follow his progress by the screams. Within minutes every camper (20) was scanning the woods with their headlamps. 20 distinct beams of light, each following their own trajectory. This pattern repeated every couple hours.

It was surreal. I was reminded of war footage of the bombing of Britain during WWII when searchlights cut through the night sky in search of German bombers.

I remained safely tucked away in the darkest recess of my bivy, secure in the knowledge that all my food was in a bear box.

We covered 18 miles today to 10,140 foot Benson Pass and decided to camp here in hopes of minimizing bugs & bears.

I could use some sleep...