Day 16 4.9.2018

So just in case you’re wondering, no I haven’t been kidnapped. I forgot to turn off my Garmin this evening as we were picked up by Ammy, fed at In-n-Out in Cabazon and now settling in for sleep in Palm Desert.

The day started off around 6ish when I crawled out of my tent. We had a beautiful place to watch the sunrise, which I did from a large rock in my sleeping bag. Laura and I packed up and were headed down the mountain shortly after 7. From where we camped we knew it was 15 miles to the desert valley floor where we’d find a faucet (which I didn’t get a photo of). Knowing the heat would kick in once we were at a lower altitude we hiked as fast as we could. Around mile 202, we walked through an area that was known to be infested with bees. Laura who was walking ahead of me went through unscathed. I, on the other hand, was stung twice. One on my arm, one on my leg. I haven’t died yet, so I just not be allergic.

We saw lots of really cool lizards today. I sent this photo to my brother who gave me some information on it. He said: It’s a baby chuckwalla. They live in between the cracks of boulders, they puff themselves up to wedge themselves in the cracks so that predators can’t pull them out. I also saw a lizard eat a scorpion today but it all happened to fast to get that on camera.

After we completed the 15 miles to the water faucet, we decided it was waaaaay to hot to continue on. We had discussed night hiking across the desert at least another 8 miles but the camping north of the I-10 freeway was pretty sketchy. We kicked back in the one shaded spot formed by a large boulder and waited for the sun to dip down. We popped our umbrellas for every inch of shade we could get.

I messaged Ammy for her evenings agenda. She immediately said she was free. Every other hiker from this spot was headed 5 miles to the freeway, then attempting to hitch to Cabazon for in-n-out. We just wanted out of the heat. Ammy said she’d come get us so we looked at options for tomorrow if we went into town with her tonight. About that time Justin showed up. We discussed plans and he just wanted the burgers. So with the sun setting we hiked 5 miles where our Ride with Ammy began.

She took us dirty hikers in, bought us dinner and let us sleep in her home. I have some seriously wonderful friends in my life! Thanks Ammy& Eric for letting us crash your place again!!!

Overall a good day. Again, the desert heat is no joke we will leave early tomorrow so we can rest during the heat of the day. We managed to do 19 miles in total today and we all felt pretty decent. Hitting the 200 mile mark was pretty awesome as well. Can’t wait to see what the next hundred brings!