Slow and lazy morning - coffee and breakfast and hanging out with hikers before packing up and getting back on trail.

Desert scrub, wind turbines and sand as we approach the San Bernardino Mountains.

Started ‘section C of the PCT’

Up up up the valley to a ridgeline - vast mountains await! The trail winds down and onto a field of yellow grass amidst steep drops and peaks.

Eventually the whitewater river preserve becomes visible in the distance - bleached white giant river rocks. We wind our way down to the preserve. Cross a sandy boulder field.

Met up with another hiker - kaleidoscope - hiked with her the rest of the day.

River Crossing with water flowing fast and up to your knees - I took the time to take my shoes off and cross in crocs - no wet shoes for me!

We filtered water at the river, I soaked my feet and dunked my shirt for some relief from the heat on our next 5 mile climb.

Another angry rattlesnake on trail 🐍 🐍 got him off into the bushes and made as wide of an arc as possible to pass.

Made it down to the mission Creek campground - setup, filtered water, ate dinner & chatted with kaleidoscope - and went to bed.

Lulled to sleep by the sound of rushing river water and frog calls.