Tuesday October 19, 2004

Sevier Lake (dry) to Snake Valley

"Who'd-a-thunk?"

It's not the desert sun and heat. It's the desert wind, rain, sleet and cold that's the obstacle.

It rained all day Monday (we were off). Then it rained off and on while I crossed - I think - two ranges.

Around half-way the wind really picked up. When it rained I put on my trusty plastic poncho. The wind was blowing that thing like crazy. It sounded like an airplane propeller. My hat must have blown off a dozen times. The last five miles or so I was walking with one hand holding my hat down and the other holding the poncho down.

People who stopped thought I was absolutely crazy when I didn't accept their offers of rides. I thought I was crazy, too.

Despite all of that, this is really a beautiful place. You come out of canyons or over hills and see wide (20-40 miles maybe) valleys stretching out in front of you.

After the rain, the little plants in the desert puff up and pop to life. At several points I could smell a perfumey aroma. It was like a sweet ceder. I think it was coming from the greesewood after the rain.

Tomorrow, barring problems, I'll cross into Nevada.