Day 15
May 9, 2012
Miles: 27
Total Miles: 211
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| View of San Jacinto from the north side about half-way through my descent |
From my camp site last night at about 9,600 feet near the summit, I descended toward the desert floor all day today to a low point of about 1,200 feet. Yes, that's right, it was a jarring and hot 8,400 foot descent in one day! No wonder my knee pain is back! If you don't hike or run often, you may not realize that it's the downhill portions that are often the most painful and difficult on your joints and feet. It was also VERY hot (I don't know how hot, but others who knew say 100+) with very little shade once I descnded down below the tree line. This was also my longest mile day so far at 27 miles. I really did not have too many options but to get to I-10 where I knew trail angels Ziggy and The Bear would take me in and provide shade and water.
They actually provided much more - a hot saline foot bath, ice-cream and brownies! I cowboy camped in their back yard with other hikers. I believe I was the 286th hiker they had taken in this season so far - with the big wave still a few days behind me.
In Ziggy's registration form they asked my name, email and another innocuous request that gave me pause: "Purpose for Hike". I wrote, "to find my purpose in life." This is not truly accurate but I did not know of an easier way to express why I am doing this hike. I could fill pages with a response - and maybe I will at some point but that will have to do for now.
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| Ziggy & The Bear |
WOW! That would be a tough day for you. Even though knee pain strikes you on that day but still you did your best to accomplished it. Thumbs up to you, hope you are fine today and for the rest of the days. God Bless.
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