Tuesday April 15, 13.6mi/21.9km

Mouth of Harper Canyon (55.2/1010ft) to Bank Wash Jct (66.5/360ft) (CA) +2.3mi to Resort

I purposely left my campsite later than usual since I knew I had less than an hour to walk until the road, and Desert Ironwoods RV park didn’t open until 8:30. It was a leisurely walk on a slight downhill.

I passed by a little spot that was labeled Cactus Garden, this must be the famous part of Anzo-Borrego Park with all the different species.

The spots I saw yesterday were more impressive, but this one is accessible by car so it becomes famous. I arrived at the road, where I had buried my water cache and again easily dug it up.

Usually caching water for long trails isn’t necessary, since the trails are purposely designed to pass by water sources. This trail, however, was designed to be hiked only in small sections. According to the guidebook, each section is between 15 and 35 miles long, and it tells you to park a car at either end, and bring all your water with you. That strategy is fine if you’re out for a weekend with a group of friends, but obviously doesn’t work for thru-hiking.
I called the RV Resort for a ride and got some disappointing news. One of the employees had called out today, so now with only one person at the desk, he couldn’t leave to come pick me up. Bummer. I stood there for an hour and a half trying to hitchhike but very few cars passed. Most vehicles were heading the opposite direction or were large trucks carrying (weirdly) massive bales of hay. After hitchhiking failed, I walked the hour to the RV resort along the hot paved road. I found a free tool along the way, in pretty excellent shape too.

I arrived at the RV park at 11am and immediately went inside and got some cold drinks and then found a shady place to sit.

I also got a shower, did some sink laundry, charged my electronics, and got rid of all my trash. After chores, I took a dip in the pool and swam a few laps, gotta get my workout in for today!

I lounged the water for a little while but got out quickly because I didn’t want to get sunburned. I basically dried instantly which was nice since my tiny towel was still damp from the shower. I had just gotten all packed up and the manager (who I had spoken to last week) just happened to be coming by today and she agreed to give me a ride back to the trail. Nice! From there it was a hot and leisurely afternoon of walking 4wd roads.

I had a small descent into a little canyon.

I had hiked so a few miles today and I was determined to get as far as I could, but when I saw a large shady spot I couldn’t resist.

I hiked on past my usual stopping time since I had spent most of the day not hiking. The early evening shadows added a nice cooling effect.

I kept crossing a bunch of washes, the biggest one I crossed was called Fault Wash, which apparently is here because it’s on top of a large tectonic fault.

Yesterday I was reminded that this is a geologically active area, though I didn’t realize that at the time. When I was in Harper Canyon I felt a slight vibrating for a few seconds, today the locals told me that was a small earthquake. Cool. I hiked right up until the last waning light after sunset and then set up my tent behind a creosote bush.