The plan was for an uneventful walk to the lake. While at the trail head, two cars were looking for a place to park ( not much roadside parking).
Look Kersee, It Cindy and Ekl with Jeff and Jack. Kersee and I have been in the trail with these 4 before.

It’s always good to have friends.

The views are good. Better, the higher you go.

As we walked, the kids played (ie….rolling in something dead or trying to eat something dead) and we solved all the world’s problems. Life is GREAT!

After the stream crossing Kersee and I went to the lake. The other 4 did a loop back to the cars. At the lake we had a snack, something to drink and took some pictures.

My plan – Do 40 miles in 2 days. Cache some water close to the 20 mile mark, get dropped of at the east end of the park and get picked up in the evening of the second day.
*** Easy ***

I was unable to get a ride to trail head. Damn….

So, I drove myself. After talking to the ranger about a 10 mile loop, I was off.

My route finding skills in the desert, needs work. I missed the Eureka Peak Trail. After a bit I was in the California Riding and Hiking Trail. I went with it.!

At 8 miles in I found the Covington Crest Trail. 1.5 miles out to the view point for lunch and a view. While eating lunch I talked to some other day hikers.

As the sun started to set, the trip back was easy. When I got back to the trail head I had 19.3 miles. So close to 20, but yet so far. I went up the hill for another .5 mile. All said and done 20.3 miles

What’s next on the list?

Easy peasy lemon squeezy