I’m writing this in the Sierra, one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever been. More on that in other posts. However, I’ve been asked several questions along the lines of “did you like the desert”, and wanted to make a quick retrospective post on the entire desert section. For detail, check out the individual posts.
The desert was a great place to get my trail legs. Towns are close together and resupply is generally easy. Food carries are shorter, which helps offset the big water burden. The trail is very well graded, and you get fewer of the steep climbs (Over 1,000 ft/mi in Yosemite NP on some parts) that you get in the Sierra.
I also lucked out on wildflowers. Talking with locals, they said the bloom was muted this year due to the drought, but I had pretty much continuous flower coverage until Acton, 444 miles in. That really helped bring joy to some of the tough, hot days.
The desert is also kind on the bug front. Cowboy camping (sleeping without a tent under the stars) is easy, and there are no bugs to bother you. The Sierra mosquitos are vicious, and could easily drive a hiker mad. I have a new appreciation for the luxury of being able to hang out in camp not in my tent.
One of my big takeaways from the desert is wind. It seemed to be perpetually windy, sometimes light, sometimes strong. You pass four separate wind projects, totaling over 4,000 turbines. First near Cabazon around mile 210, then going from Hikertown (mi 517) to around mile 600. Near Tehachapi is by far the worst, hunkering behind bushes for a reprieve from the wind.
Finally, some of my favorite desert photos coming soon once I get better wifi…
