(+0.7 to Whitewater Preserve)
The day began by finding my way through desert shrubbery, utilizing tall trail markers since the trail had been washed out. I passed under Interstate 10 and began my next climb through narrow valleys. At the top, thousands of small wildflowers filled my view. I enjoyed the views as I descended towards the Whitewater River.
I met Tom at Whitewater Preserve, and what an adventure it was! The side trail had dropped into the river basin, and so I picked my way through rocks in the general direction of the preserve, crossing arms of the river several times before realizing I would have to cross the main river. I backtracked, and found the place with the least amount of current, where I crossed. I waded through the river over my knees, going slow to make sure I didn’t lose my footing. When I got to Ogre, Tom dumped the sand out of my shoes, shook out my socks and hung them to dry.
