April 9, 2007

Dave broke camp early with the hopes of putting in higher miles.  Ed and I stayed behind and lingered until the sun came out.  We set foot together through the San Felipe Hills around 8:15 a.m. with two days of water. Today's hike for the first 10 miles was hot, but relatively easy.  As we neared Scissor's Crossing, Ed's Platypus popped and leaked into his backpack.  He was able to salvage the rest by pouring it into an empty bottle. 

We had received contradictory reports about a water cache at Scissor's Crossing.  As we neared, we did find several gallons of water.  We made a joint decision to bypass the water cache and hitchhike into Julian which was 12 miles from the trailhead.  I had been hiking in a skirt and began putting on a pair of shorts underneath when the shorts got stuck on my shoe.  I was bent over with my backside facing the highway when a car pulled up slowly.  Ed looked at me, laughed, and stuck out his thumb.  The hitch was made! 

We enjoyed a lunch at Margarita's and met a kind woman named Laurel Granquist.  She offered us a ride back to the trailhead which we gratefully accepted.  Laurel is a retired high school teacher and an avid hiker.  Thank you, Laurel, for your kind offer!  Ed and I hiked up the mountain with full stomachs.  Between that and the fierce winds, the last five miles of the day were challenging.  We pitched our tents among rabbit turds and cactii.  I was exhausted!