Trail conditions: Still lots of flowering bushes up high, with some cacti as the trail gets lower. I didn't make many miles today due to a 1.5 hour nosebleed shortly before Mike's Place. Feeling very fatigued between this and the accidental mega-period the newish birth control caused.
Campsite: Solo spot in a gulley just past the Tule Spring, which is actually a little trickle of water in the dirt. Many, many biting bugs. I was hoping to avoid the cistern with a dead lizard in it, but I'll top up there tomorrow before climbing up to Mary's water tank (hopefully) and Paradise Valley Cafe.
People: Several hikers passed me while I was using no fewer than six (6) super absorbency sanitary pads to try to stanch the nosebleed, but only a solo hiker from Sweden (didn't catch her name) and Corgi Legs and Son stopped to check if I was okay. Am not feeling charitable towards the others, but I think they're all camping at Nance's Canyon tonight after refilling at Tule.
Tomorrow: I'm going to wake up early (for real this time) and try to get most of the elevation gain done before it gets hot. Ideally, I'll make it to PVC for a late lunch.