Up and hiking a little slow today - because it’s going to be HOT and sunny.

Walked along a road and by another dam. Explored an industrial site with big pipe pieces - very neat - made many guesses as to what they’re used for… They also have great acoustics!

More road walking and bridge crossing until we climb up to Silverwood Lake. The water again is a bit of a tease - we had planned to swim at lunch but it is very green and filled with algae.

We sat at a shaded picnic table for lunch with cricket and roo (sisters) and relaxed. Motivation to leave is low due to heat - but water is needed and we must move on.

Wild flowers are everywhere along the trail - orange, purple, white, yellow… Walked through a burn area with singed sticks poking thru.

At the next water source shirts are dunked and water filtered to drink. We continue in the hot sun climbing up again - snake sighting (not a rattle snake).

Cross over and under major highway underpass. Trail magic at the intersection consisting of a plastic bag filled with tiny sauce packets (soy sauce, hot sauce, ketchup, etc).

Climb up a ridge and over to the other side. Great view of the mountains from yesterday and the lake we hiked along today.

BIG rattle snake on trail - scared the heck out of Paul he screamed and jumped fast off trail.

Next water source is beautiful clear and flowing out the side of the mountain and there is poison oak everywhere. Filtered and fingers crossed that the poison oak wasn’t brushed up against!

Made camp and cooked a hot dinner. Hung out with other hikers as this is the last “good” camping until tomorrow afternoon (getting close to major highways and city sprawl.

@ 3463 ft elevation