March 10 - Barrel Spring or Warner Springs?

"See you on the trail, Jonas," and a few seconds later, "Happy Trails, Casey!" as I left earlier than my camp mates for the trek to Barrel Springs. 

Along the way a few new flowers appeared, but mostly it was just the same terrain as the previous three hiking days with lots of steep slope covered in short scrub and occasional cactus. 

Here and there was a bright yellow burst and a few orange poppies. 

Three hours down the trail a couple from Portland passed in the opposite direction on a two day outing to experience the Anza-Borrego desert. I asked then to let Jonas know how far ahead I was so that he might be motivated to catch up. I had a nice time talking with the 22 year old from Munich and would have liked to meet up down the trail. 

Another half hour and Barrel Springs was in sight. Not yet noon this would be a good lunch break place. While lounging about a grizzled gentleman carrying a bucket of tools approached. "Let me guess, you're thru hiking!"   Ed was there to work on making the spring more friendly for hikers by installing plastic tubs into the old cracked and dirty concrete basic. Ed's what we call a Trail Angel. For nothing more than the satisfaction of helping thru hikers these angels provide many important services. 

Thanks, Ed!

It turns out that Ed also gave my buddy Jonas a ride from Scissors Crossing to a local campground on one of those miserable cold and snowy days. He picks up hikers regularly. What a guy! Today I asked that he tell Jonas how far ahead I was if he happened to show up while Ed was still around. 

Since it was so early I took off for Warner Springs across gentle hills and open pasture. A time or two I left messages in the dirt to let Jonas know where I'd camp. No sooner was my tent up and Jonas came around the corner with a hoop and a holler to say how happy he was to meet up again. 

This picture courtesy of Kelly and friend (sorry I can't remember the name). Another two angels who gave us their fresh vegetable packs and took our pictures. Thanks ladies!

Jonas and I enjoyed a pizza and cokes at the only restaurant a mile down the road then walked back in the dark. We're now resting while listening to the deafening sounds of frogs and the quite hoot of an owl. 

Another good 18 mile day on the trail.