May 28: Into Mojave,CA

We began the morning with a climb up more erosive hillsides. A fire through the area burned all the plant life and with no roots in the soil the mountainsides eroded into sand. Now in some places a trail hardly exists and we traversed steep sand slopes as we switch-backed higher.

We soon were wandering along the high hills where many dirtbikes left tracks in all directions. Although there were several posts indicating no bikes of any kind were allowed, there is not really anyone around to enforce this. So, bike tracks shredded up the trail in many places. Three foot high rolling bumps would form from the bikes and would create an annoying mini roller coaster of a trail. For as much as we have seen motorbike tracks in other places this is the first time we really found them riding along the trail regularly.

We came along another wind farm with towering windmills generating energy. Some hikers find these beautiful because they know the clean energy they represent. But, if one is not biased, it's hard to not admit they have a bit of visual pollution. Still, there are many positive aspects that seem to make this something to allow to grow.

When we hit the road we found ourselves hitching with another hiker. A small road led directly into Mojave, but got little traffic. We ended up taking a ride along a busier route that was less direct. In the end we had to get three seperate rides before reaching town- including one in the back of a pick-up for a short distance. This is always an exhilerating way to let miles fly by after walking so much. We made it into Mojave in under an hour, but probably would have been in sooner if we stayed on the direct road.

"Mojave is just a truck stop," said one of our rides. But, this truck stop had all we needed. We hit the post office, got a room at Motel 6, used internet at the library, went to a restaurant, and shopped at a full grocery store. It's a bit more than a truck stop, but it's not really a flourishing small town. Our ride talked about it being a poor area, and indeed, signs of low income surrounded the rural area. Old run down buildings, closed stores, and trailer courts were initial signs of lower income. Despite this we found people in town to be very friendly and delightful. And, luckily, the trains that blaired through town during the day didn't seem to be around at night.

Total Miles:558.3
Miles Today:13.4
Camp 31:Mojave Motel 6

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