“Piscado por tacos!” he exclaimed.
But suddenly, I spy a little used trail that heads down to the water. I find the quiet shoreline to a bay off the Pacific. Nice and flat. No one around. Small waves gently lapping at the shoreline and perhaps a dozen species of shore birds. Perfect! Sometimes, I just get lucky.
I spent a peaceful evening on the shore of the Bay of San Quitin and even met some local fishermen the next morning (as in the picture above).
Since that night on the bay, the trail took me inland. WAY inland. A long (116 miles) of nothing: No roads, no other people, no water... Just me and my cart and a rough Jeep track. I was OUT THERE like I’ve never been ‘out there’ before. I’ve got lots to write but I need to get it all sorted out in my head. Until then, more pics from the trail!
That was a baby nurse shark above. Think about that next time you get a ‘fish taco’ from a roadside stand. You could be eating a baby nurse shark. It’s okay with me, of course.
Can’t help taking pictures of sunrises (as above) and sunsets. Each one seems to be more spectacular than the last!
With the recent rains, the desert seems like it’s just about ready to burst into bloom.
I’ve named my cart ‘El Fuego’ because I hate this thing with the burning heat of a thousand suns. It’s all the problems of a mountain bike without the speed! A necessary evil, I guess.
Fishing troller on the coast.
Sunset on the Pacific.
Most pics and posts coming soon. In the meantime, leave me a comment!
It's great to see you are still trucking along. I can't wait to read about all that happened to you in that long inland stretch, after you get your thoughts sorted out.
ReplyDeleteThis stretch has been VERY difficult. 116 miles with no water, no people, no NADA. I’ll write more about it as soon as I get the sand out of my ears!
DeleteChris, you have done some desert slogging. I would be interested sometime in your opinions on the different areas you have seen.
ReplyDeleteI’m thinking about writing something comparing the Mojave, New Mexico, the Negev and the Baja Divide. All different. Each with its own challenges. Thank you for the comment!
Deletedid you remember to bring your desalinization equipment? :-)
ReplyDeleteI wish. Instead, I have 30 liters of water strapped to a stupid cart!
DeleteLove the sunset pics. Wow, What a view!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! And thanks for the comment!
DeleteHi Chris, So sorry you have having trouble with your cart, but that is what is keeping you alive...How many more miles do you have to go? In the end you and everybody that knows you will be so proud of you, as I am...Always glad to hear from you...Take Care My Friend, and can't wait to share a drink with you. Miss You, See you in a few....
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynda! I’m at mile 660 with about 1,000 more to go. Can’t wait to see you and Mike when I’m done!
DeleteLove the pics! With as much hate as you feel for the cart remember it keeps you alive and able to move.
ReplyDeleteVery true. But this will be my last hike pushing a cart. I miss my trekking poles!
DeleteSuch amazing photos. The more trials, the bigger the reward. Keep going and know we are routing for you
ReplyDeleteThanks, Roberta!
Deleteyou can eat the fruit off the prickly pear cacti
ReplyDeleteI’ll try that! Thanks for the comment!
DeleteChris,
ReplyDeleteSounds like an amazing trek, but I don't understand the "Cart". First I've heard of you using one. I assume it's to carry extra supplies. Pardon my ignorance but I'm intrigued.
Hey, Traci! This is the first hike where I’ve had to use a cart. It’s mostly for water. There are some very long waterless stretches (up to 126 miles with no water whatsoever!). I HATE the cart - especially in deep sand - but it’s a necessary evil.
DeleteWow...gorgeous photos!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Candice! Sorry for the late reply.
DeleteDo you keep track of your daily water intake and ration it? Or do you just drink whenever you feel thirsty and hope it lasts?
ReplyDeleteI drink as I need it. I can hike on about five liters per day but I prefer six. That will increase as it gets hotter. Leaving Catavina, I had 34 liters strapped to the cart. That’s almost 75 pounds of water.
DeleteGlad your trip is going well. I assume you have tried pulling that cart instead of pushing? I have seen a version that hooks to a belt so you can use your poles.
ReplyDeleteI pull it up and over curbs and big rocks sometimes but it’s very hard to balance when pulling it. It really was designed to be pushed.
DeleteWhat are you going to do with El Fuego when you're done?
ReplyDeleteI’m going to perform a Satanic ritual that dooms its soul to Hell. Then, I’m going to throw it into an active volcano and laugh maniacally.
DeleteOr, sell it for a couple hundred pesos.
Hey, Everyone! Sorry for the late responses but I just finished a long stretch with no services. I appreciate all your comments!
ReplyDeleteGreat pics! Your gonna miss that horrible cart that's been a burdensome necessity. Thank God that it carried all that water. Do you have a wild guess on when you will be finishing up? Mahi-Mahi fish tacos are my fav and you can get some in the So. CA. area (Wahoo's Fish Tacos). I wonder if Fed-Ex can ship some overnight. Mmmmm. Where are your known main stops from now to the finish? Sun...fresh air...freedom to wander. What more could one ask for. Stay safe and don't forget to count your blessings.
ReplyDelete