Today was our big day! We got up before sunrise for the drive to the border. It felt incredibly strange to actually be standing at the monument after imagining it for so long. I was much less of a blubbering mess than I had expected. We took our requisite photos, said goodbye to Keith’s parents, and started north.
The trail meandered alongside the town and headed for the hills to the north of the highway. The morning was pleasantly cool and as the sun warmed the desert plants we hiked in a perfume of sage and juniper. We spent the first 12 miles winding in and out of the little inlets on the bluffs, eventually rounding and climbing Hauser Mtn.
The toughest part of the day was the descent into and ascent out of Hauser Creek canyon. Our feet were starting to drag as we dropped down into the drainage, and at the bottom we took a long break to prop our feet up and nap. When we started up the shadeless switchbacks we were facing the heat of the afternoon. It was brutal. So much for the forecast of 72! To top it all off the creek was dry. This Hauser guy caused us nothing but problems all day.
We eventually made it up to the ridge with frequent rest breaks. From there we had three endless miles to go. They wound through a maze of manzanita and desert scrub. The foliage was just tall enough to obstruct our line of site… until we turned a corner and saw the lake laid out below us. Once we got all the way down there we were faced with another half mile walk to the ranger station to check in. It might not sound like much but after 20 miles it seemed cruel. Luckily, showers and modern plumbing make everything better.
This was a big day for us, and not only because we finally took our first steps north. We also did more miles today than we ever had before (our previous record being 16), with heavier packs. Part of the reason our packs were so heavy was because we were each carrying 10 pounds of water since the 20 miles to Morena are largely dry. Today was really a trial by fire, and we passed on all accounts even if we are exhausted. The next few days should be easier – we only need to do 15 miles on average and water will be more plentiful for most of the section.
We’re having a great time already and things will only get better as we get our trail legs back!
Congrats on making that big first step! Im l
I’m looking out the window at a frozen lake with 1.5 feet of snow and more to come. Enjoy the warmth and views!
Thanks Amber! I hate to sound like an ingrate, but we’re ready for a break from the heat! All these SoCal folks are hiking circles around us, but I think we had the upper hand yesterday PM and this AM when temps went into the 50s. Hope spring finally comes in MN and that you get a good one before the summer heat!
Awesome start to the adventure. I’m sure in about two days you’ll be like, “WTF we’re we thinking?!?!” But you’ll both do awesome. I award each of you 355 experience points. I would have awarded you the full 500 for the module, but you skipped that bear encounter around noon.
We did have a little of the WTF going when crossing the desert…there were definitely some Dune references made! Carrie, one of the hikers we’ve been playing tag with, is reading the 4th wheel of time book and we were joking about spending too much time in the Aiel wastes.
BTW, not to argue with the DM, but shouldn’t we have gotten full experience for successfully avoiding that encounter?
The Poetesse writes… all feel the trail before them. Reading of a far away adventure from my adventure in the apartment I’m staying in in Brussels.
Thanks Brian! Hope you’re having as great of a time in Brussels as we are here! Right now I am envious of your easy access to great food and chocolate.