Mile 181 to 193
After a night of wind that began as a low hum far away and crescendo-ed to booming, stirring proportions, we woke to ice on our rain fly and a thin coating of mountain snow on the ground.
The whole gang stayed in their sleeping bags an extra hour (7 ish) before yelling obscenities through tent walls as we got out from the comfort of our sleeping bags and started to pack our gear.
The morning was breathtaking as all of the pine trees and small flowering bushes were coated in a layer of ice that was considerably thicker on the side facing the wind. We trudged along, slowly warming up as we went.
[Standard morning exercise, Day Hike and Spearhead trying to get warm, licking ice off the trees, Fey braving the foggy morning, Grabbing fresh water]
Despite the current conditions (frigid with snow on the ground), we had a 20 mile water carry down the mountain and through the (usually) extremely warm desert. We froze our fingers filtering 10 liters of water from a mountain stream and used MRE warming packets for our hands (typically meant for food, thanks Day Hike!).
Liz and I headed out ahead of the gang, knowing we would be caught quickly by these strong hikers. The wind on the side of the mountain was forceful and gusty, and we found ourselves in a continual swirling cloud that plastered snow and hail in our faces.
From time to time a clearing in the clouds provided a truly surreal view of a sunny desert floor with I-10 and a huge wind farm 8000 feet below. The view warmed us up, but make no mistake it was still frigid at the top of the mountain.
We walked through deep patches of snow and around many downed trees for quite a few hours before starting the decent. Surprisingly, no one had caught up with us so we started scrawling some notes in the dirt/snow to let the other know where we were heading.
We trekked down a few thousand feet, but a storm brought on by the strong wind followed us down the side of the mountain, dumping a few inches of snow on us as I tried to "cook" dinner. In the end I was coated with snow without much hot food to show for it. We again experienced a mountain storm with thunder and lightning a little too close for comfort (although not as horrific as our first encounter near Mt. Laguna.)
The day has been cold and challenging, but also extremely beautiful and downright fun. The trail is showing us how volitile Mother Nature can be, and we are taking note as we go from hot and cold extremes in a matter of miles.
Tonight promises to be another enjoyable one as the temps are dipping and the wind is whipping. However, it’s all smiles from the trail as we enjoy every twist and turn!
Tomorrow we hit Ziggy and the Bear (famous trail angles near I-10) and are planning to be whisked away by my parents who have just returned from a 9 month overseas adventure. Good food and many stories to come!
[What else is there to do when you're cold?, Looking down into the sunshine, Fey and some clouds, a rare blue sky while looking up, snowy tent]
[You didn't think I was the only crazy one, did you?]
