Today I covered 18.5 miles, 29.8 km. I also managed to catch the people who I’d been with. On my way up to camp I also explored a couple of small caves on the side of the trail. Arrival at camp was a little late, which didn’t leave me much time to set up, make dinner, and rest for tomorrow.

I woke up this morning early enough to see the sun rising from behind the side of the valley. I’m hoping to leave early this morning and hike a long day to catch up with the others, who are about 4 miles ahead.

For most of the morning the trail was quite flat. I did have to climb over two small ridges though, the first one was where the others had camped last night. When I got to the tentsites, I saw a note in the sand telling me that the others were planning to camp 15.7 miles ahead.

At the top of the second ridge, I got my first view of the Mojave Desert Western Arm, where we would be crossing on the LA Aquaduct. It was overcast on the ridge, but still looked hot and dry down below.

I made the long descent towards a river and road crossing. For several hours the trail gradually wanders downhill, with views into more mountains to the west. The air was muggy and a few drops fell, but no real rain came through, despite the overcast skies.

After the road crossing, the trail climbs again, on the way up I pass 3 small caves, or disused mine entrances rather. The first one is the biggest, with high ceilings and a forked tunnel extending about 20 meters from the opening. The second and third caves are much smaller, with signs of people having spent time or even camped inside.

The trail climbs some more to reach a water source. From here, I need enough water to make 10 miles, plus 2 L for camping. I load my pack up with 4.5 L of water and continue climbing.

Eventually I reach camp just as the sun is setting. The others are here to and we catch up about the last two days, cook dinner, and settle down to sleep.