Seek Identification April 2, 2022

The night was mild and dry, no interior condensation. By 7:30 we were pushing up the final 500 feet of climb over walker peak. On the descent into Walker Valley, the terrain gradually became more desert-like. Lots of stabbing members of the agave family lined the trail, daring anyone to venture too close. Cane chollo stood like silent stick people. There were also Mexican pinion, silver leaf oak, and another rainbow hedgehog. Turkey vultures patrolled the sky, while Stellars jays kept up the chatter .

For hours we descended on cobbly trails before arriving at bear spring, our water stop. It had been lightly shaded and cool, but both shade and cool were gone now. Weekend campers had driven a gravel road to access bear creek and we’re scattered around under tall sycamores that lined the creek.

The trail merged with the gravel road. For hours we walked in the hot sun, conserving water, not knowing where the next gallon might be. Finally we bumped into a butterfly aficionado, who had been scouring the desert in search of his favorite specimens. He recommended that we stop at Kentucky Camp, an old gold mining area. It is an amazing park service oasis for hikers. There are some historic buildings, complete with power and water.