Mile 188' to mile 210

12 miles today, slow hiking...blisters, sore back and a shin splint.

in the next 4 days we will hike down through that valley, cross I-10 then back up the other side to Big Bear.

We passed the 200 mile mark today!

Ok...remember my post from last week, "Camp site gone bad"? 

Well....this was part "Deaux"...complete with Nat Weather Service severe wind warnings and everything.  Yep, sustained winds up to 45mph, gusting to 65mph...not much sleep. 

Winds stopped about 4am, and we woke to a beautiful, calm morning. 

beautiful, high desert, landscaped with granit boulders, blooming cactus and yucca, and dotted with brittle bush and blooming datura.

Then down into the valley, across I-10 and on to the trail angels house of Ziggy& the Bear (see Robins post for today)

Robin & Levels on the way to Ziggy & the Bear