May 13, 2016

Highway 58 crossing (mile 566.3) to bushcamp (mile 582.7)

Miles: 16.4

Our alarms went off at 5:10am. It felt early! We both slept deeply- so deeply in fact we did not hear any of the train noise we had been warned about.

Laurie, who likes to take every opportunity to get clean, took one last shower. Unfortunately the cleanliness didn’t last long as she dropped chocolate bits of her Amazing Grass bar on her shirt as we waited outside for our ride.

Chocolate mixed with dirt… yum!

We had arranged for a local trail angel to come get us and another hiker named Walking Home, at 6 am.

We sat outside and around 6:10 Rodney showed up. We piled 3 backpacks into the trunk of his car and were on our way.

We picked up the trail exactly where Paisley had picked us up the day before. The air was slightly chilly, exactly why we wanted to get an early start.

The first two miles of the trail were nearly non existent. Last year flash floods caused huge mudslides that washed out the trail and the highway, trapping many cars and trucks in thick mud.

We walked on loose rocks stuck in sand, past Joshua trees and eventually re-united with our 18 inch strip of dirt- aka the PCT.

We both felt slow and tired this morning. We were carrying 5 days of food and 4 liters of water each.

To make matters worse we only slept 6 hours last night. Not nearly enough for our bodies and minds to recover from the daily physical exertion.

And, this morning was all about climbing: 2,323 ft over 7 miles. We slowly switchbacked up the exposed hillside as the heat intensified. There were moments of relief when the wind picked up but mainly it was just. plain. hot!

Near the top of the climb, we found a shady spot off the dirt road and enjoyed our first lunch.

We hiked on said dirt road for a few miles. Laurie felt as though she were sleep walking and Andy’s yawning didn’t help. Just after 1 pm we took a 2nd lunch break. Laurie quickly fell asleep on Andy’s shoulder. As the sun once again encroached in our shade we readjusted and Laurie took a 2nd delicious nap.

We needed the rest. Towns have been hard for us. Going into town is exciting, but once there, we don’t really relax. We go into town feeling light and free only to return to the trail feeling heavy and burdened with responsibilities.

We have long to do lists for our town stops, including checking in with family, purchasing and figuring out where to send new gear and updating our blog and social media.  We haven’t yet figured out how to balance responsibilities, preparation for the next section and rest. Hopefully we’ll figure it out sooner than later.

Revitalized by the rest and cooling air we walked the remaining 5 miles to camp. We were running low on water and debated whether to look for spots after the spring 0.6 miles away.

Since we really enjoy dry camping, and knowing that there aren’t many places to camp near the spring, we decided to set up our tent and walk the 1.2 miles roundtrip to get more water. The spring looked gross with green algae growing out of the trough but the water looked clear.

In the desert we’ll take water where we can get it, and luckily this water was clean and delicious. Andy can taste the difference in water but Laurie can’t. Not sure who’s better off there.

We were only minutes away from our tent after getting water when we heard a familiar rattle. Andy was leading and picked up the pace while Laurie stopped in her tracks, curling her toes inside her shoes.

Near the trail was a HUGE rattlesnake. Laurie tried to walk around but couldn’t get herself to do it. Eventually the snake slithered across the trail and into the rocks, allowing us to continue on.

We were slightly jarred but grateful for the reminder that we are still in the desert and in snake country! Now we know that snake hour is 7am to 7pm. Guess Andy will be leading through the rest of the desert.

Once back to the safety of our tent we ate dinner and got ready for bed. We are tired and it’s hiker midnight (9pm). Time to sleep. Goodnight.

Tonight we are grateful for our quick reflexes and comfy air mattresses.

May 12, 2016

Oak Creek Canyon (mile 558) to Highway 58 (mile 566.3)

Miles: 8.3

“You’re going to Mojave? I’m sorry.”

That’s what we’ve been hearing from trail angels and hikers for days now. Almost everyone is headed into Tehachapi, but not us.

A cheap room and a shower were calling our names.

We woke up at 4am to hike 8.3 miles by 8am. We had arranged a ride and didn’t want to be late.

By 4:45am, under the cover of darkness, we set off. The temperature was mild and the breeze refreshing.

We were excited to finally be night hiking, something we’ve wanted to do for a while.

Laurie decided to lead us into the darkness.

“Three squeals and I’m taking over” Andy told Laurie.

“Okay.” She replied with a smile.

The hiking was tranquil and enchanting. Rolling hills, wind turbines and an orange sky.

Wow.

Wind farms are huge! The wind turbines themselves are large (each blade requires a semi truck to be transported). Dirt roads wind through each farm, big enough to allow a semi truck to comfortably make the turns.

We hiked through the green hills, passed cute cows and down to Highway 58, getting there at 7:50am.

8 by 8. Check!

Paisley arrived exactly on time and greeted us both with a warm smile and deep hug. We instantly felt comfortable with her, as if we were seeing with an old friend.

We were so thankful for the ride and conversation.

Thanks Paisley. You rock!!

We arrived at Motel 6 before 9am. We were given a room and informed that there was no hot water but that they were working on it.

We were really looking forward to a shower, but alas, we were presented with another opportunity to practice patience and accept change as it happens. We could have taken a cold shower but weren’t that desperate yet.

We picked up our resupply packages and a special package from Laurie’s friend, and went to our room.

“Brownies!!” Laurie said with sheer excitement.

Since we couldn’t shower, and to keep Laurie from eating the entire bag in one  sitting (though she was standing), we went to the supermarket across the highway.

We walked back to our room with a rotisserie chicken, potato chips, hummus, salad greens, carrots, a bell pepper, apples, an avocado and 6 liters of water for the waterless stretch ahead.

We devoured the chicken with salad greens, ate the rest of the brownies and washed it all down with water. Andy has a headache which is probably from the lack of sleep, but hydrating doesn’t hurt.

Laurie was really excited about watching movies on TV. She was in heaven crunching on an apple while watching Miss Congeneality.

We relaxed, made phone calls, wrote emails, did laundry and organized our food for the next section.

Where does the time go?

Andy finally tried the shower and wouldn’t you know it, the water was hot.

We each enjoyed a nice warm shower and may even dabble in the life of luxury and take another in the morning.

Once again it is far too late. So many distractions when there is wifi and TV! We look forward to getting back out to the stars and moon.

From what we have gathered, these next 6 days are the driest and most remote of the desert section. We probably won’t have service but will upload posts when we can.

Tonight we are grateful for warm showers and avocados.

May 11, 2016

Tylerhorse Canyon (mile 541.5) to Oak Creek Canyon (mile 558)

Miles: 16.5

The alarm went off at 5:15am. Not enough sleep for Andy. He snoozed for 15 more minutes, then finally got going.

We were on the trail at 6:15am, determined to conquer the two climbs of the morning before the heat consumed us.

This stretch of trail is especially pretty at this time of year. We are loving it. The wildflowers, the green hills and the sometimes cold wind are awesome.

At 9:30am we turned the corner and ran into trail magic. Yatzee!!

Chairs and water and recycle bins and trash cans. Wow.

Laurie and I took our shoes off, relaxed and massaged one another’s feet. After about fifteen minutes a truck pulled up. We waved and they waved back as they drove away.

A few minutes later we heard a car again. It was the same truck. They must have driven up the road to turn around and come back. They were Robert and Patti, locals who maintain this wonderful oasis along with Robert’s brother Donald.

Every few days come out and check on the supplies. This morning they brought more water, green apples and oranges. Apples and oranges!!

We both helped ourselves to fruit and thanked Robert and Patti multiple times for their support. The random acts of kindness continue to amaze us and touch our hearts.

Thank you Robert and Patti! We really, really appreciate it.

At 10:30am we finally shouldered our packs and headed on down the trail.

We didn’t make it very far as we were distracted by the wildflowers, horny toads and lizards. We saw flowers of all colors today along with 4 honey toads. The ones here have red horns. We’re not sure if they are females or males.

We took a few dozen photos in a handful of miles. We gave ourselves permission to do this because the temperature wasn’t too bad, especially with the cool breeze blowing.

We descended through a burnt forest, chatting about this and that and making to do (and to eat) lists when we get into town tomorrow.

At 3pm we found shade under a tree and took it. The wind had died down and the temperature had risen. It was hot. We felt lethargic and didn’t want to move, but with less than 3 miles to go before camp, we encouraged one another to get up and get going.

With the wind turbines buzzing overhead we descended into a shady oasis and looked for campsites.

It’s dry but buggy here. But there’s shade! Laurie was fading but we quickly put up the tent and she crawled in.

“All I want to do is lie down” expressed Laurie.

“You got it” Andy reassured her.

We got into the tent and drank electrolyte drinks, ate a few snacks and felt better.

Since we had service, we blogged, posted on instagram, made phone calls and relaxed.

We want to go to sleep at 8pm tonight because we have to wake up at 4am tomorrow morning. We have a ride scheduled for 8am at Hwy 58 and we have 8.2 miles to hike.

8 by 8. We’ve got this!

Tonight we’re grateful for suprise fruit in the desert and blooming desert plants.