My Restless legs

May 4 - Day 3
8:30 AM - I had a great night of sleep last night. I plan on taking it easy this morning and then leaving in the early afternoon to put in about 10 miles today.

May 3 - Day 2
8:30 PM - I made It to Mt Laguna tonight - 22.4 miles on the day, 43 total so far. My feet were hurting but my legs felt strong for the 2nd half of the day. I listened to my legs and talked myself out of all of the potential campsites I passed in the later part of the day. My feet blistered up a bit, but I've patched them up, and should be ready to go this afternoon. I rented a cabin last night and was able to get a hot bath and sleep in a bed - what luxury!
The trail climbed significantly to reach Mt Laguna, from 3000 to 6000 feet. Most of this elevation gain came in the last 10 miles. I went from walking among cactus and sage brush to a pine forest in an afternoon.

I did not make it to the cabins until 7:45 PM which was almost dark. It's remarkable how quickly it gets dark after the sun sets here. It goes from full daylight to pitch black in a little over an hour. I best be careful lest I get got in the dark without a campsite.

12:30 PM - I have learned from yesterday's mistake of hiking at the hottest point of the day and am sitting under a tree by Fred Canyon Creek. The creek is bone dry, but I saved a 1.5 L bottle of water in the middle of my pack so I have plenty of cool water.
The early going was rough today. My calves and feet both hurt, but on the bright side I've managed to avoid any serious blisters so far. Once I got into the rhythm of the trail the pain subsided to a manageable level.

I have seen an astounding number of lizards so far... at times it seems that every 3rd step sends one of the scaly critters darting for the bushes. I saw several birds today, including a mangy looking wild turkey whose nap I rudely disturbed.

6:30 AM - I slept out under a tree last night, and it was cold. One of the other hikers said that it was in the 30s. Deserts are always funny that way, you get cooked by the sun during the day and freeze at night. I had some aches before I went to bed, but feel refreshed this morning.
I'm planning on an easier day today, maybe 12-16 miles. I would then do the remaining miles to Mt laguna and have an almost rest day there on Sunday. Plans always change though.

Don't Panic