Written Wednesday, 26 May 2021

Since we're not leaving particularly early today, I slept pretty well overnight.

I got up at 0400 in hope of seeing the lunar eclipse, but,alas it is occuring somewhere beyond the mountainous horizons of Tehachapi. Oh, well. At least I got a couple good pictures of the military memorial at night.

Back in the room, I got down to prehydrating in a serious way, alternating water and Gatorade/Body Armour. Baewatch and I took one more trip to Kelcey's for breakfast. Had the Huevos Rancheros. Sorry in advance to anyone behind me on the Trail today.

My new back pack hasn't arrived, so I needed to take another trip to the post office to hopefully get it forwarded to my next destination. Pretty frustrating. The company that made the pack moved heaven and earth to get the pack made in speedy fashion, but they sent it via Priority Mail rather than the overnight mail I paid for. Follow-through is important.

I was so grateful to Florian for taking me to the Post Office and back in time to meet Cheryl, a trail angel, for a trip back to the Trail. Thank you, Cheryl, for the help. We can't do this hike without people like you!

Cheryl delivered Florian, Baewatch, and me back to the trailhead at US 58, arriving at about 1100. The sun was high in the sky and there wasn't a sign of the wind that almost blew us off the mountain a few days ago. Not a single windmill was turning.

The start was flat but soon gave way to a 3,000 foot climb. This is where I learned that both Baewatch and Florian can sprint uphill, carrying heavy packs. The both left me chewing their dust.

From the amount of pre-hydrating I had done, I was marking my territory every mile or so. That's a good physiological sign, but it does slow progress.

Finally arriving at the top of the climb, I find Baewatch, Maverick, and Catch (the latter two of whom left town in an earlier shuttle run) eating lunch in a shady spot. I am so tempted to join them, but with the late start, I wanted to keep moving.

As I moved forward on a more level trail, I did cool off a little.

Looking over to the right, I can see Edwards AFB, along with the huge dry lake bed where the Space Shuttle used to land. Also, Neal Armstrong's landing gear are still out there somewhere.

Late in the day, we got some shade and breeze, which helped.

After a very loog-seeming afternoon, I finally arrived at the first water source since Tehachapi-- Golden Oak Spring. Unfortunately, the spring isn't very springy. It's taking about 5 minutes to fill a single liter of water, and desperate, thirsty hikers are coming in faster than people can fill their water containers. For a minute, it looks like a prison fight is going to break out, and I start looking for my shiv, but luckily cooler heads prevail, order is restored, and everyone finally gets some water.

Anchor and Baewatch ere already here when I arrived, and everyone else straggles in as the shadows grow long.

Looks like I am staying here tonight, along with about 30 others in a campsite that is probably intended for 6, but that's how the long waterless stretches are driving us. It's a short day, but given the late start and lack of water, it's the right decision to stop.

Lots of laughs with the gang as we make our suppers tonight. Great to be traveling with The Ambassadors again.

I'm safe, dry, and warm tonight (and not thirsty) in this way too full camp site next to the only trickle of water in a 40 mole stretch!

Miles Hiked Today: 17.2 miles Total Miles Hiked: 583.3

Sea Otter Fact of the Day: Sea otters can raise or lower themselves in the water by inflating or deflating their large lungs