Mile 454.4 - 478.4

Just as we thought, last night was an all night party, maybe not all night, but a good part of it. The Saufley's were nice enough to give Balance and I a room in the trailer. The problem was that the TV and living room was right next to our room. Idiots were drinking, smoking, and who knows what else out there until well after midnight. Hikers midnight is 9pm, so these losers are not really hikers but people who just like to hang out with hikers and corrupt a few. We regretted staying here but we knew what to expect, so shame on us. Many other hikers feel the same as we do. Nothing against the Saufley's and all they do for the hikers but they could take a page out of Ziggy and the Bear and have a few rules. Not our call, just our opinion.

Just mountains. Until we heard the sound of dirt bikes racing at us at full speed. The PCT is for hikers and horses only. This was the first time I ever saw a dirt bike on the trail. For good reason, they are prohibited. I was stunned and froze not knowing what to think. Balance on the other hand jumps right in front of the first rider, not allowing him to pass. He stopped and explained that he and a friend were lost and on the wrong trail. The real problem is that behind us were at least a dozen hikers fighting a steep uphill and these two morons are lost and going to hurt someone by riding on this trail not rated for dirt bikes. They could not turn around either due to the very narrow trail. So we got out of there way and told them to go slow as more hikers are coming. I felt like calling the local forest ranger but didn't. Believing that they were really just lost and not out for mischief. 

Taking a break after a 2 mile road walk and a very steep climb to the top of this mountain

Today we started the day in a cool mist. As we started this climb, it got sunny and hot. We enjoyed the cool mist much better. We are hearing that the temperature is expected over 100 degrees the next few days. Not good news as we head towards Mojove.

Many people have asked. Why are you wearing so many clothes if its that hot out? The sun is so strong here and it's out 99 percent of the time, with very little shade. So, we wear long pants, long shirts, sun hats, and sun gloves. Anything not covered we burn in minutes. We couldn't carry enough sunscreen, plus not showering makes for some sticky skin. This sun hat in the photo works great. I have it tilted up for the photo, but otherwise I pull it right down to my eyes. My neck and ears are protected also. We don't like or want to wear all these clothes because its so hot, but we have no choice. The sun wins every time.

The amazing Yucca plant.

What colors out here in the desert. Who would think?

A hiker oasis. Chairs and coolers full of cold drinks. This was amazing and not expected. Thank you to the Anderson's who stock this cache. About 12 of us hung out in the shade, had a cold drink, and talked about their hike.

The sisters. The only sisters we know of hiking the PCT this year. Hanging out at the hiker oasis.