Hiked 18.5 miles, at mile 74.5 It was 6 pm and I had hiked on farther than the others as they selected earlier tent sites. UIt was 6 pm and I had decided to stop at the next tent site. I was in real desert now with cactus and spiny things all around and I had quickly learned to be careful drivingre you layed things down. My sitting pad had already picked up some barbs which were soon transferred to my finger. So, best option was to stick to...

Hiked 18.2 miles today, At mile 55.9 I don’t know what I’ve come to, but only 4 days and I’m already sleeping under a rock. I’m camping above Oriflamme Canyon and usual tent spots are taken. I found a small open patch near the edge. I tried, but couldn’t get my tarp to stay up in the wind, so I moved back under a rock and snuggled up to the side where the wind is a little less. I took advantage of cooler hours in the early morn and early...

At mile 37.6. Hiked 17.6 miles today. It is hot! I think my main job is going to be to keep from getting overheated. Kind of hard when there is no shade and you are climbing with a pack loaded down with water. Today everyone was trying to make it to Long Canyon Creek. It was a long climb in the sun. From now on, I’m starting very early to avoid at least some of the heat. Also thinking about slowing down some in order to avoid hottest part...

15.6 miles today, at mile 20 I saw two shooting stars sleeping under the stars in the mountain desert.  Here is a cool photo of my camp in the dark early morn. I’ll never get management out of my blood. Today I am reminding myself that I am in this for the long haul. Give my body a chance to adapt. Establish the right routines early. For example, don’t skip flossing. Small thing, but I’ll be here 6 months. On short hikes I could get away with a little sun...