I hiked 12 miles today with my distance shortened by getting a short ride to the trailhead from Callahan's from a passerby dropping off another hiker. That cut out almost a mile of road walking and I hit the trail at about 9:30am.

I did pretty good at first and then started slowing down, especially in the warm stretches. This first part had quite a variety of ecosystems, again. Dry rocky barrens that were loaded with all different kinds of wildflowers. Then there were woods with some really nice old growth. The Soda Mountain Wilderness was especially nice. I might still be in it--I'm not sure.

There wasn't much for water until this spot I'm at now. I got here around 5pm after taking many breaks along the way to tend to my feet and try to eat plenty of food.

This spot seems to be an abandoned ranch maybe. There is a large stretch of meadow with a stock or irrigation pond.

Oooh!! The bats are out!

There is also a cistern and pipe gushing cold spring water. There are at least 6 groups here tonight. I was the 2nd to arrive and picked an unused spot in the dry, lumpy meadow next to the pond. We'll see how this goes.

There is a think cloud bank off to the West. I think rain is possible tomorrow. I guess we'll find out then. A bunch of us slower folks plan (loosely) on camping at Hyatt tomorrow. Could be fun except that I'm the only dude.