Day 14: Blasted Wind

I awoke at 2am to my flapping around in the wind. It a peaceful night when I set up camp so I chose an exposed site -- lesson learned! I tried to quiet my tent but to no avail. The rest of the night was fitful sleep. 

The same wind that kept me awake also kept me cool in the hot morning and also, fortunately was at my back. I’d hiked 20 miles by noon. 

My afternoon involved some small class 2 rock climbing (no ropes) to climb and descend over a small mountain range between me and Joshua Tree National Park. The route I drew up worked perfectly and bam, I entered my second National park of the trip.

I chose my camp more carefully tonight because the same wind that was at my back earlier in the day now was blowing 15-20 mph gusts right at my face. The last 3 miles felt like I was in a wind tunnel. 

Nevertheless, I found a good spot that blocked the wind and set about filtering 8+ liters of water. My last long water carry for the foreseeable future is up next: 40 miles! I’ll carry out 7 liters in hopes that gets to me to next water source in the park. 

Miles: 31.4