San Jacinto Conquered

The mid morning of 5.13.12 not only brought Amy and Allan their 100th mile mark, but a well deserved break from the trail.  Now they will hike what's left of the Anza Borrego Desert and began their ascent of the San Jacinto Mountains to an elevation of more than 7,000 ft.

5.13.12. am

A shot of Allan as he rests in the shade to check his phone for messages.  One tough hombre!

Onward to the next destination.

The sun hangs low in the evenings sky

as the horizon forms silhouetted foothills ahead.

5.13.12. pm

Their excitement is not to be contained as they've arrive at Eagle Rock.

5.14.12. am

Having set up camp within the protection of Eagle Rock, Amy had no worries of intruders like those of Jack Rabbits, Prairie Dogs, or Snakes!  

With no pictures but this one of Allan having his morning java, it tells me that Amy was eager to get on the trail for their next stop...

where they took in a hearty breakfast...

and relaxed with trail pal Austin.

After breakfast, Amy took in a foot bath in Epson salt to help her aching and blistered feet.

Finishing breakfast and a soak, the hikers mill about Warner Springs, CA...

and stop to "Smell the Roses".

After showering and while washing clothes, drenching herself from head to toe behind the post office.

(she texted "It felt sooooo good!")

All refreshed and having another high fat/protein meal to keep their energy for the trail ahead,

the trail crew must say goodbye to a pair of sweet volunteers and the great cooks who made their breakfast and lunch memorable...

Colletta and Nancy

Back on the trail to Riverside County line 20 miles ahead

5.14.12. pm

Insects came into play along the trail with Horseflies being the worst, so our hikes shielded them off their faces with these netted bucket hats.

129 miles behind them and having just hiked 15 miles camp is set on picturesque Comb's Peak.

5.15. and 5.16. 

A few shots along the trail as phone reception was very limited.

Sunrise on Combs Peak

Another trail friend greets us

Tule Springs, here they drank, hosed themselves down, washed clothes, and rested in the shade.

5.17.12. Midday

First contact in nearly two days, what a relief.  Here they hook up with Anza, CA local Todd Morse of Thistle OmniPresentation, a screen printer who offered them up a ride to the towns post office and the 6 mile ride back to the trail.

 Amy said "Todd was such a cool guy who make some very cool screen print T's, and was so generous in taking the time to help us out".

5.17.12. pm

Back on the trail and on the way to Paradise Valley, CA

Paradise Valley Cafe

for a cold drink and a little snack.

(I'm more impressed with the stash then the burger! Love it!)

Cindy at the Paradise Cafe

"She was the sweetest, nice.  Made us feel very welcomed and let us hang out in the AC'd cafe for hours."

5.18.-19.12

Ascending the San Jacinto Mountains from the south Palm Springs is seen in the distance.

Natures jewels

Trail friend our hikers named "Jacinto"

A sweet surprise

Hiking up Spitler's Peak with an altitude of 7,440 ft. was some of the toughest hike with several cutbacks and such a steep climb, hiking took up a crawl.

Camp was set up for the night.

5.20.12. am

Morning sunrise on Spitler's Peak.

178 miles down, next destination...

Idyllwild, CA

See you next week and thanks for stopping by to visit!

100

05.13.12 midday

Today, Mother's Day brought Amy and Allan to mile 100.

Congratulations!!

05.05.12 p.m.

The afternoon sun hanging high above casts long shadows.  

Funny sign encountered along the trail.

Having made it up the mountain the evening prior, our hikers arrived in El Rancerito/Laguna Mountain where camp was set and planned a 3 day stay while they awaited the arrival of their first package stop.

05.06.12 a.m.

Today proved to be a complete day of rest with no pictures (I think they slept all day into the next, hehe).

05.07.12 a.m.

Resting under the Ponderosa Pines

05.08.12 a.m.

Allan taking notes while taking in the mornings sun.

Enjoying the mornings meal with newfound trail friend Mark.

05.08.12 p.m.

An afternoon hike into the little town of Laguna Mountain to pick up their package at Laguna Mt. Sports and Supply...

and a little something to keep Amy warm on those cold spring nights.

Scouting around the camp area they find some interesting and large Grub

plus some penny pine cones (no room for that souvenir in the pack!)

 Our hikers settled in for the night as an early rise is important in beating the heat of the day that awaits them.

05.09.12 a.m.

Leaving the shade and cool of the alpine forest the backdrop reflects the altitude.

05.09.12 early evening

A 10 mile hike behind and hunt for tonights camp.

70 miles of the Anza Borrego desert still ahead.

05.10.12 a.m.

Back on the trails descent into the desert

In Loving Memory, memorial left overlooking the Anza Borrego Desert 6,000 ft below.

05.10.12 Late Morning

 

Desert brush lines the trail.

05.10.12 Mid Afternoon

A welcoming sight.

After a 7 mile stretch, water is filtered and replenished.

Having ate and rested, our hikers have 4 more miles to meet up with trail friends and camp for the night.

05.11.12 a.m.

Only 3 pics for the day as the scorching heat lended only to keep on the trail and make the 15.5 mile trek to the next checkpoint as quickly as possible.

So relieved to arrive here at the Stagecoach Resort

To grab some food and drink, have a good swim in the pool,

Then off to our cozy cots for the night.

05.12.12 a.m.

Allan and Mark chowing an early morning snack prepping for the days hike (it looks hot already at 6:30am).

13 miles to next water drop.  Hiking up Big Mt.

9 miles down 5 to go

Not much shade here

3:07pm hotter than...

thirsty as... well, you know.

After 14 mile of pure desert hell, a wonderful sign.

A trail angel water drop site.

Without these trail angels, the next water stop

would have been 24 miles.

Our hikers Christmas tree.

Another trail friend.

Week 2 and...

100 Miles behind them!

We are sooo Happy for You!!

Untangled Webs

Here is wonderful Etsy shop I want to share with you that offers truly unique pieces of art in the form of our eight legged friends, the webs they weave, dragonflies, flies, along with ladybugs and other creative works.  Metals and glass are transformed into these bright colored insects, webs, and delightful works of art.  Ellen was so gracious in allowing me to share some of her creations.  Take my hand and don't be frightened as I invite you to join me for a walk through...

SPIDERWOOD HOLLOW

Big Bad Bob is a blue and black colored spider measuring over 4" across.

This heart shaped spider web with green spider is sure to capture any arachnid lovers heart.

Add this little critter to a potted plant to create a wonderful conversation piece.

Perhaps a pink dragonfly is to more your liking?

 This hot pink, white, hunter green, and purple critter sits atop

a green frosted glass base.

With little white eyes and cherry colored bodies these Ladybugs and sure to entice a comment or two.

Allow beams of sunlight to bring to life this huge handmade stained glass corner spiderweb.

Imagine this beautiful spider web box atop your desktop.

Adorning this 4" web box is a lovely 3" iridescent spider painted in black enamel.

From large...

to small...

You know I'm not going to show you them all...

So you'll have to stop by Ellen's Shop...

SPIDERWOOD HOLLOW

to feast your eyes on more of her wonderful, unique, and one of a kind

handmade works of art!  When you do stop by, do tell her that...

Spidey sent ya!

No Quest Be That Of Dread

The journey up ahead 
may prove to be a test
lay steady on path lead
for this is your dreamt quest


The miles that you trek
of which are shared together
each and every step
will make you all the better


Every footprint that is left
may be windswept over time
but this journey you have chosen
be forever etched in the mind


The bond that you will share
shall grow on even more
because you both have dared
this adventure be forswore


The days be them of long 
your nights prove short and still
do keep each other strong
for this you must instill


It soon shall be a memory
gone faster than was tread
having pushed upon your boundaries
with last this to be said
for you will have proven yourselves that...


No quest be that of dread

NeverTooOld