Life on the trail

In my youth I thought of the desert as a barren and desolate place, void of the diversity I was accustomed to seeing in the Olympic Rain Forest. Every day that I spend in the Colorado Desert I am more amazed by the abundance of life in such a dry and unforgiving place. 

The greatest concern of thru hikers on the PCT in Southern California is "where is the next water source and how much water do I need to carry between here and there." We talk about it when ever we meet. We search the internet when in town to learn if the creeks in the next section have dried up yet. We debate about the reliability of water caches left by locals. We want to rely on them so that we do not have to carry as much water on our backs, but worry they will be dry. 

Despite the low volume of surface water, I have not walked a mile that wasn't full of wild flowers. I have seen so many different types of wildflower that I have lost count. Around every corner I am greeted by lizards, birds, butterflies, ants, rabbits, snakes, or other creatures. I have seen more hummingbirds in the last week than ever before. 

Every day I love the desert more. Every day I see a new plant or animal that fascinates me. I love this life that I am living.