MP 1135 - 1157 I left the Tahoe Rim Trail today and am now headed NW towards Mt. Lassen through the Granite Chief Wilderness. For the first time on this hike i saw no Northbound thru-hikers. I did see a few Southbound day or section hikers, but that is all. Water is becoming more scarce and the scenery less dramatic. the hiking can be monotonous. Have pulled a muscle in my back for which I take handfulls of ibuprofen. Elevations are much lower here than in the high sierras and the weather is, consequently, a lot warmer. I should be in Sierra City day after tomorrow for resupply and hopefully my new shoes will be at the PO. If not I am really screwed.     July 11