Started: Campsite 187.5
Ended: Water Faucet 205.7
Total: 18.2 Miles
Achievements: Killer Bees, I’ve Been Hit, Rattle Snake Showdown, 200 Miles

Just a reminder of what I’m doing.

The Fishtank and I were moving at 6:00 a.m. to take advantage of the cool air. Due to my weak performance at high altitude the day before, we needed to hike 18 miles to our next water source. We both had slightly more than three liters each, and that was not enough. We hiked to where we intended to camp the night before and discovered that a trail angel had left fruit, snacks and most importantly, water! I drank a liter and filled two bottles. A rough day in the heat just became much easier. I had enough water (or so I thought…)

The next ten miles had some killer views.

Eventually, we reached our secondary goal, the 200 mile marker.

We found some shade and rested for a big push to the water source.

There were rumors of killer bees at mile 202. I can say with great confidence that the rumors are true. A swarm of bees surrounded me, especially around my face. Fortunately, my beard defended me. One bee stung me on my right thumb. I ran out of there, as they followed me for some distance.

The last couple of miles were tough. We were tired. The water we carried was now at body temperature. As we completed the last switchback, I was surprised by a rattlesnake. It hissed and shook it’s rattle. I screamed. Satisfied that scared the crap out of one last hiker, it slithered away.

I’m not sure how far we will hike tomorrow. We’re in the desert now, and it will be hot.