The day started off fantastic with a quick ride downhill to where I left off at Scissors Crossing. Bright sun made the 60ish temperatures perfect for hiking. A day and a half off however took its toll. I made my goal of 13.5 miles, but felt that I should have pushed on. Only my feet had a different idea. And so camp was set up, water bottles filled from the cache left by Trail Angels (Thank you very much!!!), and then it was time to explore.
There was supposed to be a cistern in the area of the cache so I wanted to take a look. It was only supposed to be .3 miles down the old jeep road. A mile or so later was a small building with solar panels and a nearby corral with llamas. What a surprise. I'm glad there wasn't a dog to greet me. As I backtracked a road less travelled appeared.
Detouring through the brush I soon came upon the foundation of an old building. A few feet further on was the cistern's low rock wall. The four foot diameter hole widened into a veritable cave chamber as it dropped below ground. Fortunately it appeared solid as it chamber was cemented all around. . Two ropes made their way down into the darkness. I quickly set aside my hat and sunglasses to peer over the side afraid that I would never get them back if I dropped them. Twenty feet below was water with a definite sheen. One rope reached the water, a plastic jug tied to the end. I'm not sure I would drink anything that came out of this hole unless I absolutely was dying of thirst so nasty was the look of what I dragged up with the rope.
A few feet back along the return route another cistern could be seen down the hill. A quick check showed no concrete reinforcing so I left quickly for fear of falling in and never being found!
Back in camp a friendly shout came from German tourist and fellow PCTer, Jonas. We had a nice talk, shared an apple turnover I had brought, and watched the sun set. He's here living the dream inspired by Wild. In August it's back home to resume his EMT studies.
The night sky is incredible. Just before diving in my tent I was treated to satellite flyovers and the awesome Orion constellation straight above.
Great day for a hike in the desert.
Ocotillo have a tough time here probably due to the wind.
My trail friend a horned toad.
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