I’m camped by myself tonight with one of the most spectacular views of the sunset I’ve seen so far. And I’ve spent the last ten minutes curled up in a ball moaning because I’ve developed a spectacular case of butt chafe. Thanks to my Ulcerative Colitis flare-up on trail, I’ve been pooping constantly and today that finally triggered The Chafe. I have newfound sympathy for babies with diaper rash. This is awful.
Butt chafe is a common ailment among through hikers. Many hikers bring along Desatin or Vagisil (yes Vagisil!) in their first aid kits just in case they get it. I did *not* bring either of these ointments because I figured if I developed butt chafe I could just use Hydrocortisone, which I already keep in my first aid kit, until I get to town. I tried putting Hydrocortisone on my poor inflamed butt cheeks and it turned out to be a giant mistake. The moment after I applied the ointment my butt was on fire and I was scrambling to find something to wipe it off with. Â “Aaaargh! Â Get it off me!” Â I actually yelled out loud. Â I’m glad I was by myself.
I have 11 miles to go until I arrive in Sierra City tomorrow. I’ve decided that I’m not getting back on trail again until my butt situation is improved. Butt Chafe is the final straw! I CAN’T TAKE THIS ANY MORE!
In other news, the trail in the second half of the day is among the most beautiful that I’ve seen so far. I hiked through flower-bedecked meadows with snow-capped peaks in the distance and deep blue lakes shimmering in the foreground. As I get closer to the Sierras, the more dramatically beautiful the scenery gets. I wish I was in a better head space mentally to enjoy the beautiful views. Sadly, all I can think about is my poor butt. I’d love to come back and hike this section again sometime when I can really enjoy it.
Here are some pictures that I took today for your edification. I hope you enjoy them:
East Branch Bear Trap Creek – Near my campsite last night
Pretty Flowers!
First View of the Sierra Buttes
Glacial Lake
Monarch has been here!!
The most difficult snowfield crossing of this section
The Sierra Buttes!
Hiking near the Sierra Buttes
My Camp Spot for the Evening
PCT 2017 Stats
PCT Day 93 – Saturday July 15
West Branch Beartrap Creek Mile 1224.1 to Mile 1206.5
PCT Miles Hiked Today: 17.6
Total PCT Miles Hiked: 1100.1
Feet Ascended Today: 3986
Feet Descended Today: 2541
Current Elevation: 7394
Steps: 54353
For more on my experience hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, visit my Pacific Crest Trail 2017 page:
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