Even though they are only a solid day 24 miles) apart, the andersons and the saufleys are polar opposites. The saufleys are very organized with everything labeled while the andersons just have piles of trash everywhere. Even so, I love them both equally much. The andersons tend to cater toward the younger group while the saufleys are for everyone. I am thinking I may do a nearo here tomorrow (low mileage and stay here again tomorrow). Then it will be off to tehachapi. On a side note the taco salad that Teri Anderson makes is so good I have to stay another night.
On the trail today there were a few climbs that were a bit tougher than the map made them look like. Even so I felt pretty strong. I passed robin and pat as we made a 2000 foot climb and did not see them again. I made it ten miles in and took my break. From this first little water cache it was only about 7 more miles to the famous oasis cache. It was hot and I was tired from pitting in 80 miles in three days. But I made it. The cache was amazing, with a few snacks, pop, beer, decorations, and a notebook to write a little message and sign. I like these notebooks because you can write little funny things or leave messages for people behind you. From there it was a definate struggle. I had 6 miles to go. It drizzled, my feet hurt, and I was tired and hungry but I pushed through it. With 4 miles to go we came up on this huge canyon and you could see the trail go all the way around it. It was kind of nice to see what we had left, but 4 miles is a long way. At least it was mostly flat. When I was about a mile from the road into town it started to rain. So I started to run. I made it most the way but the noticed a pct sign in book. So I stopped signed it and ran the rest of the way. After probably 15 minutes of attempting to hitch into town in the rain, a guy with a truck picked me up and I was into the unique world of the andersons.
The wildlife has been very unique. I have seen many of these large green snakes that according to other hikers are real dangerous. The last one I saw I ran and jumped over after a good picture. I have also seen deer, pools with lots of tadpoles, and many colorful birds. The hikers are the same as always and it's funny how big some of the beards are. I am still having a great time. So far the best part about everything is how fast things change. In 20 miles you can see snow, mountains, walk on ridges, through the dessert, and even through pine forests. There are people walking the trail for very intense personal issues and they have said the trail saved their life. The culture is so different and amazing than anything I have ever experienced.
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