Lunar Eclipse

Day 7

A week on the trail!

Warner Springs to Mike’s Place (a random house in the middle of nowhere that looks like where people get murdered but really is a nice persons’ off grid house who lets hikers stay in their lawn)

17.6 miles

We had a slow morning waking up and going to the community center to get water and eat breakfast. Kevin had a headache but it quickly went away with some ibuprofen and coffee. We then started hiking over some flattish fields and cow pastures. We followed a creek for a mile which was really nice and shady. At the last water stop by the creek, we soaked our feet in the cold rushing water which felt amazing. I wish there were more places to do that but alas…we are in the desert.

My feel have been sore and I have a few blisters. Specifically on the sides of my heels.

From the last creek stop, we started climbing for basically the rest of the day. As it grew hotter, we stopped by an off trail spring. I got a bit freaked out because there was a snake in the spring box and instead of skittering away it climbed a tree near the spring. I thought we had left the tree climbing monster snakes in the south East but apparently not. It was a garter snake so not venumous but i still found it to be nastier than the nastiest thing you can think of.

After we got our water and found a shade tree away from the spring, we hung out for about three hours during the hottest part of the day. Siestas are amazing and I really appreciate not having to hike when it is so hot. Kevin says he was born into the heat and it doesn’t bother him as much. I mean, he was born in August in South Carolina so he obviously is more experienced than I!

We got to camp by 6:30 pm which felt great and gave us time to get water, eat, and take care of my blisters before watching the lunar eclipse.

I think I will always remember watching a lunar eclipse with a bunch of other hikers, on the property of a person who allows pct hikers to stay and also drink his water. The water part is great because otherwise it would be a 17 mile stretch without water.

Tomorrow we also have long times without water and hopefully my blisters will be better!