Day of first fruits: the walk

Waking up next to the hot springs was the right decision. I prepared my breakfast while soaking my sore feet in hot water. Perfection.

This morning started out warm. We crossed the hot dry dam where children screamed to create an echo. Although it was a hot morning, the streams and rivers kept us cool and hydrated.

I got my water calculations wrong due to an unexpectedly dry spring and came up a little short. The heat quickly changes the water here. A comment saying there is a stream flowing a couple of days ago might have dried up by now.

Jug had extra and generously filled my bottle. As I passed the dam I saw my first rattlesnake. He was sleeping lying on a rock with ample room to move strategically, fortunately.

The warm morning was long forgotten once we hit the windy afternoon walking around Silverwood Lake. This is where I saw my second rattlesnake on the trail. He was resting in a patch of shade camouflaging his dark gray body. I didn’t see it and the snap of my trekking poles sent it darting to the left, curling up with a warning noise. At the same time I darted to the right, running and screaming down the path. We sure scared each other (sorry, buddy). I must have been pretty vigilant and sent a text to the guys behind me as quickly as possible warning them to keep an eye out. My heart was racing and I watched for snakes for the rest of the day.

We ended the day at a group campsite near the end of the lake. Rumor had it that a pizza place in Crestline delivered here, so of course we had to give it a try. It was important for science. I called the store and asked if they would deliver to the campground. She asked me “are you with the hikers or whatever?” and confirmed that the rumor was true! Within an hour we were eating hot pizza and fresh salad.

Tonight we are going to camp like cowboys in the picnic area. This is a cowboy’s first time camping! A whole day of firsts. Aside from me, up top, jug and cold beans, there are three other hikers here.

It’s like a big slumber party. We only need Bug and her pink nail polish.

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