PCT 2022| CALIFORNIA | DAY 20 mm193.0 to I-10 Oasis and Banning
Miles Hiked: 16.5 miles
Elevation: 354 ft ascent | 5702 ft descent
What goes up, must come down. 5,700ft of down. While downhill is harder on the knees, I prefer it every time. Each switchback took me further into the desert. The wind nearly knocking me over several times. Switchback after switchback.
200 miles!
There is no water between 186.2 and 205.7—thank goodness for downhill once again. Downhill and wind made this water carry much easier—the hot sun felt a little bit cooler.
After refilling water and taking a break in the scarce shade provided by a boulder, it was time to hike the last four miles. First, a road walk. Then, miles through sand. Sand plus an area with wind farms? Not a great combination. The last half mile or so was walking directly into the wind, trying to stay upright. Then, the calm of an underpass. No trail magic today, but there was a water cache, some hiker boxes, and posters to sign for Class of 2022.
Next up: town
