July 13

I killed thirteen mosquitoes tonight in a single hit to my knee. They form a jacket around any exposed skin. You know its bad when you can clap your hands in the air and take out ten of them. Biblical swarms darkening the air around you, clinging to the netting of your tent.1,000 mile mark tomorrow. I can feel the fatigue has set in that I would like to cure somehow -- a weariness in the muscles dragging me down, a pervasive stiffness in the bones, a general absence of energy and an abundance of hunger no matter how many Snickers bars I eat. Ittruly feels like I've traveled 1,000 miles.

Crystal arrives in Tahoe soon, she will certainly contribute to my rejuvenation. Most likely, but hopefully not, a nosedive in my spirit once she leaves.