5/17/20, mile: 593, elevation: 5,030 ft.
Another 20-miler today! I also did a 10-by-10 (ten miles by 10am), but I realized I’m prretty sure I did that on day 2 of the aquaduct walk (actually, I think I did a 7-by-7 back then). Anyways…..
I was up way early this morning; well rested, eager to hit the trail and get to water. The big climbing is over for most of the day, so it could be relatively easy. I walked to the edge of the ridge to watch the sun rise above the Mojave. Looking out at the expanse of flatness we walked across, I can say I’m glad that’s over with. And I didn’t even knew I had that on my bucket list. I was so moved I dropped trow and left a deuce.
I had like 2 liters left to get me the 10 miles to the next spring. Soon enough, I was fired up and cranking out the miles. Having longer flat and/or downhill stretches helps. This was the second time I pulled off a 10X10, so I was quite amped up about that. The water was fresh and cool, the area shady, so I took the time to cook some food instead of just Clif Bars like I had for breakfast. I even splurged on coffee since I have plenty of fuel and coffee, both.
Back up again, the trail went back to more f’in wind generators. After like 4 miles or so, I felt the need to take a break in the last shade since the trail was going through another burn area. Once back on trail, I tried the umbrella again, but the wind just made it a hassle. This damned thing has had a great tour of SoCal, but hasn’t done much for me.
The weather reports say there’s chance of rain the next two days. I pick my camp site in an area protected by wind and under some trees so if it does rain, I won’t get hammered. It’s a large area, one that I can imagine would be packed with hikers in a “normal” year, but I’m here alone…..again. I’m in between water sources again, so I’m frugal with my water use….again. This desert crap is getting old. I’m looking at my food and wondering I might be able to blow through Walker Pass (Lake Isabella/Kernville/Ridgecrest resupply). That could save me a day of calendar time and more time in Kennedy Meadows; maybe even catch some of my friends.
Savior out.