Long Distance Hiking in the Desert

Lately, Josh and I have been devouring travelogues about long distance hiking on the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails (someday we plan to hike both.).  So far, I've gotten through one book about a novice hiker tackling the Appalachian Trail with pretty much no prior experience (believe me, his "adventures" were, well, entertaining to say the least!) and one book by the same hiker about his now-less-novice-but-still-a-bit-out-there hike of the entire Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).  Now I'm getting toward the end of a second book about the PCT, written by a couple, who also headed out for a six-month hike with close to no backpacking experience, but definitely seemed to have a bit more common sense than the first guy.

In any event, the thing that has amazed me about the PCT books is just how much people dislike hiking in the desert.  Granted, they were hiking through the southern California deserts in April and May, when temperatures regularly head toward triple digits, and that sort of heat does tend to have a grumpifying (yes, grumpifying, as in "to make instantly grumpy.") effect on people.  Anyone who has talked to me for any amount of time about outdoor adventures knows that I love the desert-- hiking and camping out there is a lot different than backpacking in the greener mountains.  Less water, less shade, and lots and lots of rocky terrain.  But, despite the heat and dryness, the desert is a truly beautiful and unique place, and hiking through it is most certainly a treat.  So, to anyone looking to hike the PCT, please give the desert a chance--  stop for a moment, and really take a look around and see the beauty of life on the edge.

Happy Tuesday!