Last night right before bed, McKay got a call from his dad. “I’m so sorry, but your cat got out earlier. He’s been gone for a few hours.”

As he sat there staring off into the distance McKay told me “I’m gonna go home. My dad’s coming to pick me up tomorrow. I really don’t know what to do. I don’t want to. I know it’s a cat. But that cat got me through some really hard times. I’ll never forgive myself if I don’t help look for him.”

By morning, the sun was shining but the day was still grim. McKay’s cat (platypus) still wasn’t found. The whole neighborhood was looking but platypus, the three legged cat was still AWOL.

We trudged up a long hill, talking mostly about Platypus. We figured out how we could get back together in a few days as he went home. I’d take a few shorter days and he’d push a few a bit longer. 6 miles later we got to the parking lot where his dad was supposed to meet us. 

As we sat down for one last lunch (tortilla, peanut butter, cheese, jerky), we got cell service again. McKay’s phone dinged. And Dinged again. It was from his mom “we found him!” “Platypus is safe!”

He called home and was able to FaceTime with the newly returned cat (who to me looked a bit grumpy but I think that’s just how cats look). His mom practically shouted into the phone. “We have him now, do not come home. Keep going, McKay!”

His dad pulled up mid call and hopped out of the car – apologizing for letting the cat out and handing out snacks to both of us. He hugged McKay and told him he wouldn’t dare let him in the car to go home now. The day turned right then. 

While his dad was chatting, I heard “D’Art? McKay?” It was mosey! She had made it here the night before and camped out in her boyfriend’s van. He gave us a tour of the place – an incredibly well laid out interior with a bed, fridge, sink, stove and tons of storage for all their gear. 

He pulled out the snack box and told us to dig in.  It was full of delicious trail snacks – including some puree fruit pouch that was definitely supposed to be baby food but was delicious. Then he handed McKay and I a Coors each. “I bet you guys are wanting for one of these”. I really wasn’t, but it would be rude to say no. (actually).

We went back to the trail with a bit more pep in our step, following platypus’ successful return home. We greeted a few people as we left the parking lot and proceeded to chat the whole way up a hill until at one point Cosmo turned around. “Alright you have new trail names. It’s Yip and Yap.”

We caught up to a New Zealander named Bubble Wrap who explained that she got her name from falling on the PCT. Then she said she had taken 6 months off last year to do the CDT. THEN, she said she was on a 2 year leave from work and was planning on hiking the AT, biking across the US, biking the length of South America and then flying to Europe and Japan for a bit more adventure. Wow. 

The rest of the day was full of hills and beautiful views. At one point we were held up by a mean looking snake who didn’t want to let us pass.  But eventually he gave up and let us go around him. We basically sprinted past. 

It was an 18 mile day and, while my legs felt good by the end, my body was exhausted. I ate dinner while listening to the stories of two hikers who had been attacked by Grouse today and how Bubble Wrap had a penchant for eating candy she found on the ground while hiking. I told her that was gross as I used my grubby hands to fill my face with “salad” (my nickname for my bag of mixed candy).

An exciting day to say the least. 

Key stats:

Miles: 18

Elevation gained: 4,400 ft 

Legs Platypus has: 3