16th May 2015
Mileage 20 (32.2km)
Aquaduct Camp (521.5) to Tylerhorse Canyon (541.5)
Hiking Pain
My body resented the long hours walking on the flat even ground of the road yesterday. It manifested itself in the form of a swollen ankle. I’ve mentioned before that this hike is brutal on the body. I just hope my body can keep going. For the first time I’m starting to have doubts.
I limped out of camp and continued hiking along the Aquaduct with Tink, Stonefoot and Zig Zag. It was covered in concrete and made for easy hiking, though my ankle disagreed.
All day and part of yesterday I mentioned that we should be getting some trail magic. It was a weekend I reasoned. We needed something to pick us all up, we were wiped out from yesterday’s road hike. Two hours into the days hike we hiked past a gun club. Two of the guys came down to offer water, which we all took. One of them mentioned that we should have passed by last night, they were having a feast. If only we had known. We love feasts.
The weather was neither hot nor cold. It was just right for hiking, except for the strong wind that is. The first 10 miles had been hiking on a concrete covered Aquaduct. The area was arid. This is the Mojave Desert after all.
The next 10 miles of hiking was through a wind farm. They picked a great place. The wind nearly blew me off my feet at one point. We all agreed that the wind farm just seemed to last forever. There was little vegetation. Occasional shrubs or stands of Joshua Trees.
By 4.30pm we limped into a small canyon that had flowing water. I drank the last of my water many miles ago and was feeling rather parched. Despite the pain in my ankle which became debilitating by the afternoon I loved the landscape.
There were several other hikers relaxing and filing water from the slow flowing stream. GoalTech arrived with more trail magic. I had already been in contact with GoalTech and knew of his impeding arrival. I just didn’t quite know where or when.
Like kids in a candy store we lined up to receive our calories. He is a section hiker who not only hikes the trail but spreads trail magic along the way. Thank you GoalTech. We all decided to set up camp in the canyon. We were all suffering in one way or another. Hopefully a good nights sleep can heal our painful bodies. We are all rather run down.
Next : Day 31 Fatigue Sets In
The Best information about the Pacific Crest Trail:
Complete Guide to the Pacific Crest Trail
Resupply Guide for the PCT
PCT Gear List
PCT Gear Review
Swollen ankles. It took me awhile to figure out that my ankle swelling after being off trail for several days was just SOP. At first I was definitely concerned even though they didn’t hurt for some reason. Now, I just expect it especially after finishing a long trail. FYI, I do not expect a reply to these comments. I know this is old stuff. ADL
Great to meet you and the gang! I’m glad you enjoyed the trail magic. Here is my blog entry from my perspective on the day going sobo. At Hiker Town tonight.
-GoalTech
https://goaltechhikes.blogspot.com/2015/05/pct-day-2-hikin-with-rockin.html
Nice write up. Great to meet you on trail.
Sounds tough! The Canadians are cheering for you Shepherd!
Thanks Sally, I’m looking foreword to some rest days
Are you in Tehachapi now? I think you might have caught up to me!
Will camp about a mile from the main hwy then rest up in Mojave for a couple of days. Not going to tehachapi, I assume that’s where you are?
Yep I’m in Tehachapi but heading to Vegas tmrw for 3 nights to wait for snow to melt in the Sierras :)
I’m sure you will try your best to create havoc at the buffets. I’m a bit tired and broken, I need some rest in Mojave. Will be back on trail mid week, might see you out there.
I don’t have a trail name yet, just Kat, we’ll all be back on the trail on Thursday, Happy Trails!
I love the “how many hikers can you see” photo. Love these desert scenes.
Thanks, so how many did you see?
Um, 4??? Am i right? :-)
I think so!
GoalTech rules! I follow him from time to time and what he does is awesome.
He does indeed