Destination: Adjacent to Aqueduct
Starting Location: Red Rock Water Tank
Today’s Miles: 22.00
Trip Miles: 525.30
Red Rock Water Tank (503, 5660) Adjacent to Aqueduct (525, 3100) ascent (2103) descent (4570)
When we started out this morning we saw a note from Tree Hugger that she had seen a mountain lion. I was hopeful but all we saw were some fresh tracks on the trail. The early morning was glorious as we descended through a Hansel & Gretel oak woodland full of hollows in the trees complete with owls hooting. And then the first real Mojave heat and the craziest route for the trail as it went west then east in an effort to avoid the largest ranch (Tejon) in California. We finally crossed Highway 138, checked out Hiker Town (another very hospitable trail angel who allows hikers to get water, use an outside shower, & camp on his lawn), & met Dad who shuttled us to the country market for ice cream & soda. We sat out the afternoon heat (95 degrees) & organized our gear for the next several days.
At 6:00 pm we headed down the California aqueduct which carries water from the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada to the increasingly thirsty and arid southern California. Ultimately the open canal goes underground and as we walked on top of it, we could hear water rushing beneath us as we toll across the Mojave. I personally like the Mojave because I think Joshua trees are really neat, but the next few days are likely going to be tough.
Once again, my wonderful wife Liz came through and secured me some supplements that may help my stomach by improving liver function. Hope they work.
Also got a new pair of New Balance 907’s. The old pair was shot after about 400 miles and the support in the new shoes feels good. I once again added a metatarsal pad to my Superfeet insoles and that is keeping the pain down to a no Vitamin I level.
I feel really good tonight. We are camped beside the aqueduct, under a bright star night with coyotes yipping in the distance. I am a lucky guy.
Destination: Adjacent to Aqueduct
Starting Location: Red Rock Water Tank
Today’s Miles: 22.00
Trip Miles: 525.30
Red Rock Water Tank (503, 5660) Adjacent to Aqueduct (525, 3100) ascent (2103) descent (4570)
When we started out this morning we saw a note from Tree Hugger that she had seen a mountain lion. I was hopeful but all we saw were some fresh tracks on the trail. The early morning was glorious as we descended through a Hansel & Gretel oak woodland full of hollows in the trees complete with owls hooting. And then the first real Mojave heat and the craziest route for the trail as it went west then east in an effort to avoid the largest ranch (Tejon) in California. We finally crossed Highway 138, checked out Hiker Town (another very hospitable trail angel who allows hikers to get water, use an outside shower, & camp on his lawn), & met Dad who shuttled us to the country market for ice cream & soda. We sat out the afternoon heat (95 degrees) & organized our gear for the next several days.
At 6:00 pm we headed down the California aqueduct which carries water from the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada to the increasingly thirsty and arid southern California. Ultimately the open canal goes underground and as we walked on top of it, we could hear water rushing beneath us as we toll across the Mojave. I personally like the Mojave because I think Joshua trees are really neat, but the next few days are likely going to be tough.
Once again, my wonderful wife Liz came through and secured me some supplements that may help my stomach by improving liver function. Hope they work.
Also got a new pair of New Balance 907’s. The old pair was shot after about 400 miles and the support in the new shoes feels good. I once again added a metatarsal pad to my Superfeet insoles and that is keeping the pain down to a no Vitamin I level.
I feel really good tonight. We are camped beside the aqueduct, under a bright star night with coyotes yipping in the distance. I am a lucky guy.
Robert Francisco 
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