Day 5


Looking like it's gonna be a hot day today

I woke up feeling refreshed. I used some of my precious water to make coffee and it definitely gave me a good boost early on.

Start of the downhill from Rodriguez Tank

Just walking...

The motivation of the day is the free pie at Julian, a popular trail town, offered to all thru hikers. Yes the little things in life!

Despite the heat, I couldn't ignore the beauty of the desert.

A nice little protruding rock to rest

Even though it's flat, hiking in the desert in the

heat feels like at least 10 degrees hotter

Hitching to Julian

The hike to Scissors Crossing at mile 77, where we hitch hiked to Julian, was very very hot.

Carmen's restaurant, a local trail angel

When we arrived to town, everyone gathered at Carmen's place, a food joint. It's a hiker's paradise.

Carmen's was close to the public for renovation but is open to all thru hikers where free beer and food were offered, as well as free laundry and a place to stay overnight on the deck, and even inside on the floor. This is hikertrash alright. Trail angels like Carmen are amazing!