After our small "taster hike" on Wednesday afternoon, we are both looking forward to more walking today.
The morning sun rises early and so do we. We've read that mornings and late afternoons are the best time to do the walks and, given that there is nary a cloud in the sky, we figure it's going to be a hot one!
We make some hearty breakfast granola at our cozy little site and then head out to tackle the longest trail we plan to do in our time here - the Lost Horse Mine trail.
The Lost Horse Mine trail garnered its name from the fellow who supposedly found it while out looking for his.....no surprises here....lost horse. He actually purchased the mine for $1000 from another prospector who had staked his claim already. The 10-stamp mill and mine site hauled out 9,000 ounces of gold in its working time. Or something like that. I hate ounces - seriously - what's the conversion for that?!
We grab a seat on an old stone wall, have a snack and look out over the valleys and mountains around us. The elevation is 5,278 feet so it's a pretty nice view.
We both agree, it feels great to be back out traveling again.
We finish up the hike by 11:30am and head over to Keys View. It's hot alright - we've both sweat through our shirts (and Keir sweats through his pants too). Keys View looks out over the Coachella Valley and gives a clear view down to the San Andreas Fault below. We quickly realize the allergies we both seem to be suffering from are due to the smog tunnel that this valley tends to be. Looking across the valley is a challenge as we squint through the haze to see Mt San Jacinto and the Santa Rosa Mountains. To the south we see the edges of the Salton Sea.
Over we head to Jumbo Rocks to have a little lunch and do the Skull Rock hike. A rather large cloud settled over the afternoon sun affording us some much needed shade for our nosh and our walk. Scrambling around and over the rock formations, it is no wonder this entire area is a mecca for climbers. It's also a challenge NOT to take a zillion photos... every direction you look there is a rock formation that oozes a rainbow of colours and looks as though it defies gravity.
On the Skull Rock trail we meet a nice young chap from New York. Turns out he works for Hendricks gin. Keir LOVES this gin. I had procured him a bottle for his birthday a few years ago and he claims it makes the very best gin and tonics. Mr. Hendrick's (alright that wasn't his name) had only great things to say about this small liquor company and suggested a few other nice drinking options: Hendricks mixed with Lemoncello (half and half split - with ice), and Hendricks mixed with Green Chartreuse (another half and half split). So, if you can find yourself some Hendrick's why not try those out...or just stick to the "reminds-you-of-the-best-of-summer" gin and tonic.
Although the access over to the south entrance of the park is still closed due to the flash flooding from a few days ago, we hear that we can still get to the Arch Rock trail. The trail starts at the White Tank campground, which is also closed (too bad because it is a stunner of a site, and exclusive with only 15 camping spots). We traipse in and wander around amongst the boulders, keeping our eyes peeled for coyotes, rattlesnakes and scorpions (no viewings on all accounts!).
By this time we are shriveled up like cacti in a bone dry desert and badly in need of shade and more water. It is only 3 pm.
Back at our campsite, we peel off our sweaty socks, air out and read for a spell before making an early dinner. Early so we can scramble up the granite boulders to sip tea and watch the sunset (which is now at 6:30 pm duly reminding us that winter is not long off!).
Howling coyotes, a night sky drenched with stars and a crispy fire. Desert heaven.
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