Day four didn’t start badly. The problem was moisture — again. A lot of condensation had built up inside the sleeping bag, and the tent walls were wet too. Annoying, mostly because I hadn’t expected it out here in the desert. You’d think dry air, dry everything. Apparently not.
I decided to ditch some gear. Things I’d carried since San Diego that I hadn’t used and probably wouldn’t. Lightening the pack felt good — immediately noticeable on the uphill sections.
Somewhere during the day I picked up a trail name. People out here give each other names — sometimes for something you did, sometimes for something someone overheard, sometimes for no clear reason at all. Mine came from the fact that I apparently have no plan. Which is true. The name is NoPlans. It seems to have stuck.
The day was long but manageable. The trail wound through scrub and chaparral, occasional views opening up over ridges. By the time camp appeared I was ready to stop. Set up the tent. Made food. Fell asleep quickly.
Photos — April 16
