Day 16
We set up camp amongst the wind vanes, and of course, it was a restless night of relentless wind. The wind was gusting nonstop which kept me and everyone awake for most of the night. I was glad I found a campsite a bit sheltered from the wind. Frederick, from Sweden, however, was puzzled as to why he was all covered in sand when he woke up in the morning. I told him his trail name should be, "Sand Man" which I thought was very fitting given the situation but he thought it had a negative connotation so he declined it.
Because of our excitement, we didn't check our map and took a different trail down to Whitewater Preserve. At the end, we got there and it was actually nice not to go back out on the same side trail.
We stopped by the Whitewater Preserve for coffee and pancakes provided by a trail angel named Legend. He also shared his wonderful stories regarding his life and the details of being a trail angel. It is such a blessing what they do.
It was here, at this moment, where I was given the trail name "Happy Feet." My friend​ Frederick, from Sweden, that I seem to be always Happy, always with a smile, even when the day is rough. He also said he could always tell when I'm coming up behind him by my steps.
Hello, I am "Happy Feet"
Trail names are a tradition on long trails and hikers are often known by trail names rather than their actual names. One's trail name is usually born out of an event while hiking or a character unique to that hiker.
A quick dip at the river was very refreshing. Cold water and hot sun, great combination.
We continued on and the blistering sun was given a quick break as we found a nice spot on the river to take a refreshing dip.
Looking back towards Mt San Jacinto and the desert floor as we started another ascent.
The scenery throughout the day was very diverse. We started in the wind farm, to a river on a desert floor, to hiking on the rolling ridges atop the mountain, then ending with hiking along a tree lined stream. Another wonderful day.
