Ziggy and The Bear

I enjoyed a beautiful sunrise from my cowboy camp in the desert hills near Palm Springs. I was in no hurry to begin my day. There had been too much hurrying the night before and I consciously decided to relax and take things in stride this morning.

As I was about packed up, Thirsty Boots hiked by and I joined him. I really appreciated his company today.

Trail angels left cold sodas in an ice chest under the I-10 overpass. In most years, the desert walk to I-10 can be miserably hot, but that wasn't the case today. It was warm, but bearable. Surprise ice chests are always fun to open.

Shortly after crossing under I-10, Thirsty Boots and I came to the trail angel home of Ziggy and The Bear. This couple used to treat hikers in the Anza area but have relocated to a home right off the PCT in Cabazon. What a set up! They have built a full length covered patio and three portable shade structures that almost completely fill their backyard. The ground is covered with carpet. New for this year is a shed that has been turned into a shower facility. Wow. It was amazing. When hikers arrive, they are given a place to sit (which is a luxury in itself) and a tub with water to soak their feet. That pretty much sets the tone for the rest of the visit. I left before dinner was served, and obviously missed breakfast. A traveling trail angel ran into town for Burger King orders, but I passed on that as well. A couple hours later I was back on the road with clean feet and hair, and a fully charged phone.

Back to the dusty job of thru-hiking... The trail went by some of the large windmills used to generate power. They make an eerie sound. There was a sign on the trail to stop in at the "office" on site for shade and water but I felt I'd been spoiled enough already for one day. I logged another 9 miles or so after the visit at Ziggy and The Bears and then had to make the decision to hike on or take the short half-mile side trail to an old trout farm that is hiker friendly. I made a last minute change in my original plan to stay on the trail and now I'm in my tent at the trout farm. My decision was based almost entirely on my desire to get out of the wind, which hasn't been the case so far. I'm hopeful I'll get a good night's sleep. This place is beautiful! It even comes with picnic tables and bathrooms too!

It appears the hikers I've been leapfrogging with have moved on up the trail. There are several hikers spending the night here tonite. It's nice to not be alone.

Tomorrow will begin with a walk across a largely dry wide creek area. Then I understand there is another climb. What a surprise! Haha.

7:45 and I'm ready to sleep. Morning comes early on the trail.