Destination: Tylerhorse Canyon
Starting Location: Adjacent to Aqueduct
Today’s Miles: 16.40
Trip Miles: 541.70
Adjacent to Aqueduct (525, 3100) to Tylerhorse Canyon (541.4, 4840) ascent (2907) descent (1263)
The negative sentiment regarding the aqueduct walk across the lowlands of the Mojave proved untrue for me. This is a beautiful area with sublime views of open desert landscape. Yes, it is hot but to have one hiker call it purgatory made me question me perception of reality.
Around 10:30 when our backs, chest, & foreheads were soaked in sweat we rounded a corner to find my Dad, his dog Boo, and their motorhome all set up for our afternoon siesta in the middle of nowhere. And what a siesta! Mom had premade a meatloaf that Dad baked along with baked potatoes, peas & ice cream for dessert. Cadence sincerely commented that it was thus far her best meal of the trip. Dad also poured lemonade for the other hikers waiting out the sun and provided abundant water that did not require chemicals or filters to ensure potability.
Pro Deal joined us on our departure & he brought an entirely different set of life experiences to our already diverse group. He is under age 40, but we waived the entrance requirements and 6 miles flew by as he shared his experience with one particular religion. The more I know about the options available the more certain I am becoming that a particular dogma is not for me. Nor the rub is that I do not get to have “the answer” but I am beginning to take comfort on the path of looking without finding.
We had to stop early as the wind is howling on the ridges & we did not want to be caught exposed. That means a 25 mile (our longest) day tomorrow. I am feeling up to it and knowing we are going to Tehachapi upon our completion helps a lot.
Destination: Tylerhorse Canyon
Starting Location: Adjacent to Aqueduct
Today’s Miles: 16.40
Trip Miles: 541.70
Adjacent to Aqueduct (525, 3100) to Tylerhorse Canyon (541.4, 4840) ascent (2907) descent (1263)
The negative sentiment regarding the aqueduct walk across the lowlands of the Mojave proved untrue for me. This is a beautiful area with sublime views of open desert landscape. Yes, it is hot but to have one hiker call it purgatory made me question my perception of reality.
Around 10:30 when our backs, chest, & foreheads were soaked in sweat we rounded a corner to find my Dad, his dog Boo, and their motorhome all set up for our afternoon siesta in the middle of nowhere. And what a siesta! Mom had premade a meatloaf that Dad baked along with baked potatoes, peas & ice cream for dessert. Cadence sincerely commented that it was thus far her best meal of the trip. Dad also poured lemonade for the other hikers waiting out the sun and provided abundant water that did not require chemicals or filters to ensure potability.
Pro Deal joined us on our departure & he brought an entirely different set of life experiences to our already diverse group. He is under age 40, but we waived the entrance requirements and 6 miles flew by as he shared his experience with one particular religion. The more I know about the options available the more certain I am becoming that a particular dogma is not for me. Nor the rub is that I do not get to have “the answer” but I am beginning to take comfort on the path of looking without finding.
We had to stop early as the wind is howling on the ridges & we did not want to be caught exposed. That means a 25 mile (our longest) day tomorrow. I am feeling up to it and knowing we are going to Tehachapi upon our completion helps a lot.
Robert Francisco 
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