Austin drove us to the trailhead nice and early for a few photos at the monument. Unlike last time, there was no wind, and the spirit of Donald Trump was present thanks to the large new border wall!

The early morning walking was pleasant, five miles to the only water source in the first 20, such a contrast to 2019. I think most of us underestimated what was to come, and I certainly carried too little water.

The middle of the day was mid 30’s with intense sunshine, and a real struggle. Many stops were taken in the few shady spots to cool off a little.

Dimitri had a problem with his hip, so we stopped short to allow him to rest before it got any worse and resolved to walk before dawn next day to make the most of the cool. Water situation was such that I had a dry meal to conserve it.

Tough day.