Day 35 4.28.2018 Saturday

Mile 478-496Ahem… someone doesn’t like mornings! We started the day with coffee and pancakes made by Coyote and Hustler (I didn’t get a photo!) They are former thru-hikers who are volunteering at Casa de Luna this year. After breakfast, we slowly packed up our gear and listened to the morning trail chatter before we headed out. Another volunteer showed up last night, his name is Loner. He was the one who eventually gave us a ride back to the trail.

We were back on the trail by 11am. We hiked for about 4 miles before stopping for lunch. Fireman, Justin and myself took break while Laura hiked on. We caught up to her before Lake Hughes Road where she was then taking break. It was just after 1pm and guess what, we had to climb to look forward to. So we decided to take an extended break during the heat of the day. Tada! Sometimes we do the right thing. I agreed to night hike but only with the help of this larger reflector I found. **Darn. I don’t have the photo!

Anywho, after the afternoon siesta, we departed again at 4pm. It was soooo much cooler. The wind picked up as well. We needed water for the day and night of dry camping so we filled up at a spring. You never know who does these things but man they sure help out. Genius. I carried 4 liters as I wasn’t sure what my night hike water consumption would be. New experience, yay! We stopped one last time for a quick dinner on the trail. We found a old trail camp bench tucked in some trees. It was a great spot but I had a tick on me (on my shorts) within 5 minutes of being there. That’s the 2nd one for me–had one yesterday on my arm that I quickly removed before he completely latched. Fireman said he’s had 4. Not sure why THATs a competition but he’s winning.

It was a chilly dinner so we quickly ate, packed back up and I mentally prepared myself for my first night hike. The boys laughed at me as I made sure my head lamp was ON my head before the sun was even setting. I like to be proactive when I can!!!!

It was beautiful to hike while the sun was going down. Today was the first day I could see the windmills near the LA Aqueduct that we will walk though in another day or two.

It was kinda creepy to hike at night but I also really enjoyed it. The wind proved challenging as always. We also didn’t have a campsite to hike to so we are stealth camping once again. I think the miles were definitely worth it though. I would totally do it again. And plan to soon!

I think the better part of the new experience was that it kept my mind off how heavy my pack was. Honestly, I was hiking at such a good steady pace it didn’t even phase me that I was carrying a full load of water. Strange how things happen like that. So all in all, another great day out here. No rocks on my stakes tonight…. let’s see how windy it gets.

Plan for tomorrow is Hiker Town 21 miles away.