Start: 0700 - Hauser Creek
End: 1600 - mile 30
Miles (today): 15
Miles (cumulative): 30
Due to Nick's snoring and the border patrol helicopters, I didn't get as good of a nights sleep as I hoped. I should have listened to Nick and used earplugs - lesson learned.
Today was a lot easier than yesterday. First, I only carried about 5 liters of water at most. Second, we ate some food (food is heavy, too). Third, I think I finally have my pack properly adjusted.
This is a cruel joke! :)
After about 5 miles we stopped at Lake Morena campground where we rinsed some clothes, used legit restrooms, refilled our water, and laid the tent out to dry (it was still full of dew from last night). We took our time - it was a nice break.
Where we got to eat lunch - it was a nice view. :)
Just before we got to another campground with water, we were stopped by two park rangers. They asked if we had our permits (of course we do) and they gave us a little spiel about 'leave no trace' (pack out your trash, dig holes to bury #2, try to leave your campsite looking like you weren't there at all). They also told us there were 4,000 people attempting to thru-hike this year! That's a lot- I see why they are giving their leave no trace spiel.
Along the trail.
More trail views - is this really Southern California?
Nick found us a great spot to camp for the night - secluded, off the trail, and lots of trees to break up the wind. When we started to put up the tent we soon discovered that the tent stakes were missing. We looked everywhere and finally concluded that they were most likely still at Lake Morena (where we took out the tent to let it dry). :(
So.... Tonight I get to cowboy camp (sleep outside without a tent). I can tell Nick feels horrible about it but I'm actually excited!!! I'm all for new experiences. I chose a site away from Nick (to minimize the sound of his snoring) and I look forward to sleeping under the stars.
My cowboy campsite. :)