Day 10-(26) miles. Brutal day as it was all uphill, the trail kicked my butt as I hiked the first 12 miles in a little under 6 hours and at this moment am resting under a small juniper for shade. Met a large trail crew today digging tread all along the trail prior to bucksnort mountain, cool to see these folks. Shook hands with about ten or so of them as I met them along my way, even got a few picks of them and of me with them. One of the leaders I talked to is actually based out of Medford, Oregon, small world. They were with americorp and were doing a great job, P.S. I told you I'd post those pics buddy. Some snow patches in the shadier sections of the trail and so to conserve water I decided that I would use that snow any chance I got no cool my water down and as it melted helped keep water in my bottle. Just met 3 nice ladies and there dogs as I sit here writing this they explained to me that ahead 2 miles was colmbs peak where apparently there is an awesome rock worth climbing and that it was the most interesting thing between here and Anza somehow I believe that. I will have to get up off my rear and start heading up that way. Made it all the way to Tule valley road where I took a side trail down to a spring that offered the best camp and water so far on trip. The water is pumped to a lever control from the spring below. Camping tonight with a nice man I met who calls himself Patchwork from Portland, Oregon, two more gentlemen are also camped nearby making for a very pleasent camp. Fresh water, good campsites, and company is all a thru-hiker can ask for. Pushing on to the highway tomorrow in hopes of the famous Jose Burger. Time to finish off my beef stroganoff dinner then pass out good aye mate.