The First 40 – Rediscovering the Art of the Siesta

Our family dropped us off early in the morning at the Mexican border. After a good breakfast, we began hiking around 8:00am. We started with a strong pace despite our heavy packs, upwards of 3mph. Our friend Brian decided to join us for the first four days as well. Bringing along a ukulele, he would serenade us as we took breaks in whatever shade we could find. At the time the heat of the day set in, we found ourselves in an area that had been burned in 2010 leaving no relief from the sun. After a 5mi stretch, we jumped on the first piece of shade that we found and did not move for several hours. As we rehydrated and ate our lunch, many hikers passed us by and joined us in the shade, lured by the sound of the ukulele. After the heat began to pass, we were able to hike a few more miles, where we found good shade underneath large oak trees. Upon reaching the shade, we threw down our packs, rolled out our pads, and fell asleep. An 11mi day under our belts, we did not wake until 5:00pm. At this time we began walking around, and found a good place to camp for the evening.

As there were no reliable water sources for the first 20 miles, despite challenging terrain with considerable elevational gain, we had to conserve water. We ate dried granola for breakfast the next morning, and began hiking around 7. Soon the heat began to set back in, and the 12L of water we had packed were running low. As the heat intensified our pace slackened, but we kept moving forward towards the thought of more water. Breaks became more frequent, and by the 8th mile I was showing signs of heat exhaustion. The last mile came ever so slowly, despite being downhill. As we wandered out of the high desert into the town of Morena lake, at the first site of a faucet we dropped our packs and began drinking. As we slowly recooperated over the next 4 hours, we watched as dozens of hikers slowly emerged from the desert, equally beaten by the sun. A 75 year old crusty character named Hiker Bill secured a few campsites and began taking in all the delerious hikers. As the afternoon progressed, we met humans from all over the world, Germany, Canada, Brazil, Norway & Switzerland. Despite the celebration of life, everyone was tucked in by 8:00.

Learning lessons froms day’s past, we woke up the next morning at 4:30 and began hiking by 6 with extra water. By 9, we reached Boulder Oaks campground at 6mi. Still being early in the day, we decided to push on to the next campground that we heard was 4 miles further. By noon we had hiked over that, with no shade or campground in sight. Finally we stopped, set up the tarp and made shade. Three other humans joined us, taking up every inch of available shelter. By 3:30 we we’re hiking again and made the last couple miles down to Cibbits campground.

Day 4 we woke up equally early and began hiking in the dark. Watching the sunrise as we began climbing mount Laguna was an excellent way to start the day. By 11 we hit the town, the first re-supply for many hikers. A town of 60 people, Mount Laguna also supports an outfitter where many dissaatified hikers buy more gear. As the next nine miles are off limits for camping, we will sleep here tonight and push off for a longer day tomorrow.

 Cheers from the trail!
Andy & Amanda