Bonus:Desert Reflections

These will be random personal notes for myself on hiking the desert section.

Gear notes:
Platypus worked great, no punctures from prickly bushes.
It can get below freezing at night... be prepared.
Have Rain gear. Snow, hail, rain, anything is possible. Don't be foolish.
Have some type of shelter even though you may rarely set it up.
Thin gloves were great!
Gaiters were very nice to keep rocks and junk out of shoes.
Breathable shoes are a trade off because they let dirt through the mesh. It's a personal choice. Anything could work.
Big hat was very nice. Have a string.
Be ready to carry lots of water.
Pants are nice for warmth, but probably not needed for sun protection. Sunscreen will help dirt stick to the legs and protect you. Pants vs shorts is personal preference.
Sunglasses are very nice.
Light colors didn't seem to be much cooler and they are way dirtier looking.
Have sunscreen for face and maybe arms.
Deet is not needed. There were a couple places with a few mosquitos, but just don't camp there.
Jess liked baby wipes for cleaning dirt off her face.
I carried a short sleeve shirt, a long sleeve, a Marmot windshirt, a rain jacket. This seemed pretty good for me.
I had rain pants as well as another lightweight breathable part of the time. Ditched the rainpant for a while. Picked it up again after the snow storm. I did not carry long underwear. 1 or 2 layers of some type
for your legs would be fine.

It is very windy often.
It is dry and dusty.
Many people had dry throats. Cough drops or other hard candy is great to have.
It's usually not really that hot. You can often hike in the afternoon just fine.
Only if you really get a heat wave would I think of taking the 1pm to 4pm break.
Night hiking is definetly an option, but carry a decent headlamp if you plan to do it much. You could also just walk right up until dark.
Big miles are totally possible... 25-30 miles per day could certainly be done if you manage your time.
Obsticals to big mileage average would possible heat wave, carrying extra water weight, and just not managing ones time and breaks.

Rattlesnakes are around, you may see a few- just be alert. They usually give warning and are not immediately aggressive. Hiking poles may give some comfort for probing ahead as you walk.

There is more shade than I expected. Maybe only a few times was I not able to take a break in the shade. there may not be much shade, but you only need one spot every couple of hours.

The mountains are big at times. You will do climbing, and you will have a surprising amount of pine trees.

I drank more water when climbing, and the most when climbing in afternoon heat.
Stay hydrated in town, it's easy not to drink when your not exercising.

The desert is beautiful!

The water sources vary year to year.
Don't miss a water source- be aware. If it's more than a quarter mile off trail consider going without.

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