Journey Day 40 | PCT Day 40

Mojave desert hiking brought surprises

5/26/85

Sopping wet and windy upon awakening. We are without proper gear, expecting a desert, so hike hard to the ranger station near Green Valley. Bush moisture makes packs feel like lead. Dirt stick to our boots, weighing them down. It’s a terrible hike down to the ranger station where the rangers allow us to huddle about a heater.

Three hours later we leave after talking with Ranger Bob Stacy about trends toward law enforcement and cultural problems in his field.

Nice hike to Lake Hughes where we plan to get a hotel room. Arrive to find Memorial Day weekenders have clogged all the rooms, campgrounds. We drink too many beers. I have a cheeseburger at the Rock Horse. Then back onto the trail and desert where we crash atop a hill outside town.