January 10
End: Thirteen Mile Camp
Miles: 24.6
Total: 208.9
I woke up at times during the night at the deserted Southern Terminus, but didn’t start packing up until dawn. By the time I was ready I was a little later than I wanted to be.
I stood at the edge of the swamp, stared and thought for a few seconds, and took the plunge into ankle-deep water. Pretty soon I was used to the terrain and was starting to enjoy it. This certainly was a different kind of trail.
The section south of the Oasis Visitor Center was mostly ankle-deep water, mud, and a swampy lagoon that was knee-deep.
I made good time and didn’t stay long at the Visitor Center, preferring to press on. I signed my first register, saw that Chuck Norris’ group had passed through days ago, and a few had been there two days prior.
I was surprised to run into one of those signatures a couple of miles past the center. I moved on and made it to Ten Mile Camp by three in the afternoon, which the Data Book claimed was a mile farther. Despite the discrepancy I thought I could go on to Thirteen Mile Camp before dark, another seven miles, supposedly.
I raced on, hoping for as little water as possible so that I could make camp before dark. I checked the time at about four thirty and was not too happy with my progress. I kept on, counting the miles and watching the sun. It was looking like it was going to be very close when I came upon the camp a mile before the Data Book’s reported position.
There was already a guy there, so we talked a little and I shared some of my poor cooking skills. Brian is a section hiker who does all sections to and from his car.
I got ready for bed and lay down as our small campfire died out.
