I'm 333!

I got an earlier than normal start this morning. Probably had something to do with the fact that I was asleep by 8. It was a tough day yesterday and I was totally exhausted.

I came across an unexpected water cache near Anza. There was a register to sign in. I was #333 which means 332 people have signed in ahead of me. I don't know of they are all still on the trail.

There was more desert this morning but lots of climbing today and now it's windy and actually cold!

The highlight of the day was a side trip to the Paradise Cafe. Its just a mile from the trail, but they were offering rides both ways. I ordered their Jose burger and couldn't finish it. I had three glasses of coke :). Most hikers were ordering milkshakes. I just couldn't do it. A few miles up the trail I would have liked one though.

Dr Sole, the trail angel who doctored my day's feet at kick off was set up under a canopy offering his services. Others are in more need than me and I didn't want to wait, so it was back on the trail around 1:15.

A little ways up the trail I started sweating profusely. I figured my body was finally hydrated enough to release some moisture. In reality, I must have bumped into a cactus needle because there was a pin prick in one of my water bladders. It was leaking into my pack and down my legs. Thankfully I caught it early and was able to control the damage and save most of the water.

In the mornings I think of all these clever or insightful things to say about hiking or the trail. However, at the end of the day I'm usually too tired to remember them. I know one thing I wanted to comment on is the different treads to the trail. I've included a picture of a rocky portion. There will probably be more on this thread later.

Mom and Dad are going to try to get to Idyllwild tomorrow to meet me on the trail and spend a day or two. Just found out there's a fire that may prevent that :(

Camped by myself again tonite. It's windy again, but I'm a little sheltered. I don't expect it to be as bad as it was at scissors crossing. I also expect to have the sleeping bag completely zipped up tonite!