This morning we got an earlier start on the trail, pushing out after filtering water from the nearby spigot that fills the horse trough. The trail was generally descending all day, but there are lots of little bumps along the route. As we descended, the landscape became more and more desert-like, though from all appearances, it is very deceiving thanks to abundant rain in So Cal which has provided the impetus for prolific wildflower blooms all along the trail.
We (Phantom, Good To Go, and myself) stopped and took a break after an hour and a half of walking (5 miles). The pain in my left foot in the arch is searing—I felt as if I could walk no more. I washed my feet in a small creek that in normal years would not exist, and loaded up on Vitamin I to resume the hike.
In about a mile we arrived at the Lucky 5 Water cache, which was basically a built-in shelf loaded with gallons of water and three chairs to sit on, right smack on the side slab of a mountain which falls steeply to the desert floor below. After loading up with water, we continued hiking a little after noon, then stopped for lunch in the middle of the canyon leading down toward the desert.
After lunch we resumed hiking, and I again was in a lot of pain. I stopped to take a break and used the cell phone to check with folks back home. Phantom and Good To Go pushed ahead, leaving me alone. When I resumed hiking, I could see the guys about a mile or a mile and a half ahead on the next hill and they were pulling away. My foot was really bothering me, but I got pissed off that it was getting me down and I really picked up my pace and started hiking like a Rabbit gone mad. Within 45 minutes I caught up and passed Good To Go and nearly caught up to Phantom just before he stopped at Rodriguez Spur Truck Trail where we have one last chance for good water for many miles.
The Family, consisting of Fancy (Mom), Spark (Dad), and their son (The Kid) was setting up camp on a beautiful spot with an indescribable view of mountains, canyons, and desert all around us. We sat and talked from about 4pm to 5pm, and finally, after filtering water, decided to stay for the night. We took nice leisure time setting up camp, ate an early supper, and took in the most spectacular views as sunlight waned to dusk.
Today’s mileage: 15.7, cumulative mileage: 68.4. Weather, low:42, high 75, and WINDY! It blew all day and is blowing now. Blew so hard I could barely walk at times and was knocked off the trail several times. I have seen two black racer snakes, lots of rabbits and lizards and birds, but no rattlesnakes yet. I keep hoping for a friendly encounter.
The foot is a big problem at times, and I will need to take action to see a doctor and let it rest if the problem continues. Otherwise, the journey has been simply amazing, the views and nature indescribable, and the beauty of the land inspiring. I’m starting to smell bad and my clothes are getting covered with dust and dirt, but only one small blister so far and no complaints except the foot.
