Windy wakeup - the day looks to be windier than the day before with gusts over 50 mph.

Devon & Paul have decided to hike back to the bridge and get a ride into town - they are nervous about the wind.

I am hiking through with Amelia. We climb up in the wind - some of the trail is washed out and very sandy with off trail uphill climbs.

Two deer are prancing their way down the mountain (one mama and baby deer) into the ravine we just climbed out of - so neat to see - a great way to start the day. 🦌 🦌

The wind farms are visible below us in the distance. So windy on the summit that you need to lean into the wind to move forward.

The wind has cleared away the trace of any hikers that have come before us - the path has no footprints or markings. It appears as if we are the first to venture this far…

Many lizard and horny toad sightings.

Down to a campground and another big climb up (13 switchbacks to the top). Beautiful views in all directions.

Two trees blocking the trail - climb overs.

Trail magic at the peak - water cache and snack bar (oranges, chips and soda). Tables and chairs and umbrellas. We relaxed here for a few hours - still windy out.

Several hikers came and went. We are lunch - Amelia had a ketchup tortilla, unfortunately the wind took it away and it flew and landed facedown on guys shoes.

She still ate the tortilla - he wore socks while his shoes dried off. 😂

The rest of the day is mostly downhill. However as we progress the wind is picking back up again. We hike by more windmills.

There is another washout on trail - big massive chunk of land and trail is missing. To get around we need to crawl through a barbed wire fence and up trail a bit - a makeshift hop over has been put in place.

Hiking into the wind is exhausting - it is so very Gusty it almost knocks you off of your feet. Thankfully the trail is wide - no scary ledges!

Eventually, finally, we made it out of the wind and to the trailhead.

Trail Angel Keith met us at the trailhead and gave gifts of food and Gatorade - drove us into town along with 4 other hikers.

Showered and settled in before heading out for dinner to the Pizza & beer dinner @ TK Pizza and pasta.

Amelia, Paul & Devon and I are sharing a hotel room.

Paul spilled soda all over the floor, bedspread & ceiling! 😂

Motel stay @ the Sure Stay Best Western

@ 4000 ft. Elevation