Out of the wind tunnel...into the frying pan

Friday, May 2

hitched out of Julian, headed for Warner Springs. 

Todays hike was brutal.  It might well have been in the hundreds.  We walked about 17 miles, most of it through a desert area that had burned years ago...very bleak, very exposed, no cover.  Our shade umbrellas really paid off. I think we fared better than many.  We were handing out electrolyte tablets like candy.

Got a ride out of Julian around 8.  Started hiking with "Levels" at around 9...did 14 miles to a water cache (stocked by "trail angels"...stopped to hydrate and recoupe...had dinner and hiked another 3.5 miles to our camp site.

 "...in the land of mordor where the shadows lie...

​Finally, a cool evening, no wind, beautiful view.

Got up at 4 a.m.  Did 15 miles by noon so we could get to Warner Springs post office before it closed.

 The desert shows off...