Day 3: A short day hike from Mississippi Lake to Bear Spring
I originally planned to head out to Jackrabbit Lake today, but I think an extra day here at Mississippi Lake to rest a bit and enjoy the area is a better idea.
I consider a day hike up the nearby Bear Mountain Peak Trail, but a walk to Bear Spring, only about four miles round-trip, should be satisfying enough in today's heat.
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Date: August 28, 2007, 10h12
Size: 20 items
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Time to filter some drinking water from Mississippi Lake.
Wow, I'm awake and alive after yesterday's arduous trip up Willow Ridge Trail! I still have some good-tasting water left from Willow Ridge Spring, but I want to use the muddier-tasting water from the lake here for cooking purposes.
Date: August 28, 2007, 10h12
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Making late-morning coffee at the picnic table at Mississippi Lake.
It's not as bad as I was expecting, but I'm very tired this morning, and almost hungover (despite having consumed no alcohol). Luckily, my overworked muscles are "just" feeling overworked, rather than pain-ridden.
Date: August 28, 2007, 10h47
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View of my Mississippi Lake campsite.
My third time camped out here. The big old oak tree doesn't provide much shade early in the day, but later, it's very nice to have as a neighbour when the sun is frying everything else around.
Date: August 28, 2007, 10h47
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Heading up the road away from Mississippi Lake (this is actually still part of Willow Ridge Road)
After deciding that the water from Mississippi Lake tastes too dirty to keep drinking, I go for a two-mile (four-miles round-trip) walk up to Bear Spring to fill up on better water.
Date: August 28, 2007, 15h08
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Starting up Bear Spring Road.
Judging by the tire tracks, vehicles drive up here once in a while, but not often.
Date: August 28, 2007, 15h10
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Catching some shade on Bear Spring Road (much of the road is exposed to the sun and not shady at all).
I know that feeling of very hot sun and it's definitely in the mid-90s today. There are a few shady spots on this road and I'll enjoy each of them.
Date: August 28, 2007, 15h14
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A dry creek crossing on Bear Spring Road.
Due to the heat, I'm walking slowly. In this beautiful terrain, slow is good, there's plenty of texture to look at. The usual gold, green and blue, plus a couple of deer tiptoeing across the landscape.
Date: August 28, 2007, 15h18
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Bear Spring Road, getting closer to Bear Spring
Near Bear Spring, the road narrows and becomes a trail that goes up the side of Bear Mountain, ahead.
Date: August 28, 2007, 15h33
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Arriving at Bear Spring.
A nervous family of quail gurgles and scatters when it notices me. On a hot day like today, the shade here makes for a great rest stop and makes pumping water a little easier.
Date: August 28, 2007, 15h47
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