Today was one of those tough days to just grit out. The forecast called for 91° degree and for once, the weatherman (or woman) was right -- it was a scorcher. 

I broke camp and hit the trail before the sun was up to try to get miles in before it got too hot. Right outside the KOA is a monument marking the completion of the PCT in 1993, 4 months before I was born.

The town of Agua Dulce (fun to say out loud) was 10 miles away, and the thought of coffee tempted myself and a few other hikers to stop at the diner for a quick breakfast. A burrito, 4 or 5 coffees and almost two hours later, I took off out of town. 

Oh yeah, almost forgot -- I was stung by a bee a few miles before town promptly me to quickly take a Benadryl. 

The heat was upon me as I began the climb out of town. It would be 24 miles until I reached water so I carried 3 and a half liters out of town, which turned out not to be enough to hike comfortably. I was in water conservation mode by limiting myself to a liter every 8 miles (or 2 and half hours) and boy, I was thirsty. It took all of my self control. I saw two rattlesnakes today, and it was the first time one actually lived up to its name and rattled at me. Kinda dope. 

To be honest, today was a struggle. I could feel my legs tiring easier and earlier but I was determined to reach water before nightfall. Upon arriving, I drank an additional 2 liters bringing my total liquid consumption to north of 10 liters (320 oz!) for the day and I still feel thirsty. It was a reminder to respect the heat! 

The heat suppressed my appetite during the day so it was a two dinner and a chocolate bar kinda night. I’m stuffed! 

Miles: 34.2

Total Miles: 708