Started early. Saw the French guys Igor and Valentin as they were getting going for the day. They had a very impressive Helderberg tent – a palace Valentin called it. Said hello and chatted for a sec.
The terrain had changed. It was so different than what it had been. Kind of grassy and barren.
But – the heat was inescapable. I made it though to my first objective of the day, which was the spring at the 101 mile mark. First, I got there, then the French guys, then Dave Number Two. I took some time to rest, got my water and took off.
From there you cross a main highway, where you find different county use roads and other paths. I got confused and turned around for a second but eventually I found the trail with the help of the map on my phone.
A while later Dave caught up with me. He asked about the French guys. I told him I hadn’t seen them. He was really surprised because they had left before he did and they are quite fast. We were both worried that they had gotten lost back at that tricky junction – as he had gotten turned around there too.
Dave went on ahead while I struggled on dreaming of my goal of Warner Springs. I really enjoyed the easiness and look of the terrain – but the heat was still overpowering. I came to Eagle Rock. And it really did look like an eagle!
When I came to my next water source, I was really pleased to see a flowing stream. I knew what I had to do. I got my water and then I took off my shoes and let my feet soak for a while. The water felt so good. It was cold surprisingly. I rested – but not for too long.
I was on my way again. The cold water on my feet was exactly what I needed. I felt anxious and yet excited to get to Warner Springs. Then, it was down to the last mile. I truly do not like the last mile. It was confusing to me because the buildings that I saw looked like the building in the picture from my guide. I didn’t wanna pass it. So I just kept on going. Eventually, I went through the gate and across the road and then I saw it. The sign. I was so happy. I had the biggest smile on my face. I followed the direction that said where hikers were to go. I found the building and went inside. There were a couple of men sitting at a desk. They prompted me to enter my name in the ledger. They like to keep track of how many hikers they get in and some of their data. This helps them plan better for future years. The Warner Springs Community Resource Center is almost like a ministry to hikers. They provide showers, bucket laundry, snacks for purchase, charging stations, toilets, and basic resupply. It’s truly an oasis. I had the most wonderful lunch of pop, Tillamook cheese, and yogurt. I was in heaven. They had air conditioning! I just sat there. I called my friend Laura. Finally my body calmed down enough and I got going with my little duties. I put my battery pack to charge. I washed out some of my clothes in the bucket. Then I took a shower. It was glorious. It was unusual because it was outside, but it was fine. I then came back in and repeated my lunch – delicious again.
Guess who was there?! Igor and Valentin. They did not pass me on the trail yet they had been at the Center for more than an hour. A mystery that will never be solved. I also saw Iris and Takashi.
The Center closes at 6pm – which came way too soon. I gathered up my things and set out to find a place to set up my tent. I found one not too far from the Center – less than a mile. Nice ground. Easy setup for my tent. Such a good day.