Day 19

We slept fairly well right next to a little creek, the last water for about 16 miles. I think the sound of the trickling water helped us sleep a little better than usual. It was also a little warmer than we've been having.

Mike stretching before we leave.

The creek water.

Today and yesterday were both fairly uneventful actually. We continued walking along the edge of the high desert pine forest with the very edge of the Mojave desert down to our east.

On the edge of barren nothingness.

One thing that was exciting was seeing our first Joshua trees on the trail.

Better look at it.

I also thought being in the intersection of cacti and pine trees was interesting. I didn't know before that these things could coexist.

More cacti and pine trees, this time with some red indian paintbrush.

Another view into the desert.

Big gnarly desert tree. Mike for scale.

After hiking the 16 miles today to the water source, we had a 2.5 mile road walk on a dirt road which led to the outskirts of Big Bear City. About .5 mile from the main road we found a nice secluded spot behind some bushes to stealth camp for the night. Our plan in the morning was to walk to a better road to hitch into the next town over, Big Bear Lake, which would be our next stop. We've been a little hungry this stretch and we definitely did not have enough snacks, so we're looking forward to this resupply (a lot).

We got set up in camp and ate an early dinner, then all headed to bed by 7:30pm (soo early!) with town on our minds.