Southern California
Starting: Section A11 - San Felipe Creek
Ending:  Section A13 - Barrel Spring

Awoke at first light, wanting to do the bulk of my miles before the heat of the day. The San Felipe hills are a brutal 24 waterless, virtually shade less miles where temperatures of 100 are common. Volunteers have established an emergency water cache at the half waypoint, but one can't rely on it.

Temperatures were in the high 80s (I'm guessing-Pete & his thermometer weren't around) with an occasional cool breeze. I got to the cache at noon & was relieved to find it fully stocked. Found a sliver of shade under a juniper & rested.

Now it was decision time: do I play it safe waiting out the hottest part of the day or push on, trying to make it to the cool water at Barrel Spring. The thought of finally being able to wash off my stinking salt & dirt encrusted body was simply too strong. I pushed on.

Made it to the spring with an hour of light to spare. The waters were delicious but came at a price in the form of some ominous knee pain.

I need to slow it down...