On my first hike for this escape I wanted to begin with a comfortable familiar and then veer off to the unfamiliar. The plan was to hike through the Mission Creek Preserve and then at the junction take the trail to the San Gorgonio Overlook. The drive on the I-10 was easy from La Quinta and I arrived at 8:00 then began my adventure at 8:15. It was already hot which was not in the forecast I saw but then again I am in the desert what do you expect.
What water there was!
I arrived at the junction! What? Are you serious? Which way do I go? I checked my sources but there was no indication to set me straight. I followed the PCT for a short bit then spied a defined trail pretty quick and veered off onto it.
Now I venture into the unfamiliar all the while looking to where I should be ascending to the Overlook. I hike and hike and hike on a defined trail with no obvious turn offs. So now I am not only lost in the desert I am also lost in the beautiful scenery.
This is true wilderness!
Seeing no defined way to up higher, I made my own way to a place where I could see the Whitewater Preserve far below. That area is off limits right now due to a pack off wild dogs killing calves.
I descended back to the trail and carried on along it until it abruptly ended. It wasn't the Overlook I was expecting but I will take it. It was quite a sight seeing San Gorgonio Mountain over there and the valley far below my feet. It was not, it was breezy, it was desolate, it was the desert.
After investing a little time here snacking, hydrating, being appreciative and topping up the sunscreen, I returned the way I came until I was back at the signed junction. Instead of continuing on back I opted to head north on the PCT for a mile or so.
The higher I went the grandeur the view of the San Gorgonio area and of where I was lost. I wanted to continue higher but played it smart in this heat and turned around for the trek back.
I used up all my sunscreen but still had plenty of fluids. Now being back on the comfortable familiar, I took another snack break then took my time to admire the desert scenery.
While I have grown to be no longer a fan of this high heat, I still do love the desert. As long as I hydrate, cover up, take it slow, I find enjoyment.
I now see this adventure is about to be over. Nearing 20 kilometres of hiking my feet and legs are feeling it. Walking in wash is a workout! The only thing left is to buy more sunscreen, drive to my home away from home then open a pint and enjoy the Santa Rosa Mountains from my balcony.
Only a day and a half into my Desert date we are hitting it off fabulously and I see it only getting better.
Look at you in your summer attire!!!
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