Pushwalla and Horseshoe Palms Oasis

Yesterday, we took about a 7.5 mile hike to Pushwalla Oasis near Thousand Palms, California.  The weather was beautiful, a cool 75 degrees, and it was a tough but worthwhile hike.

Here are some photos:

Easy climb

Some nice flat walking

Down a steep hill past a 40's truck that didn't make it

Well-deserved rest

Refreshments

The beautiful Pushwalla Oasis is hidden in a tiny canyon

 

Pool of water

The water runs all the way through the oasis

Mr. Crow watches us

The trail back. Joe lifting his hat and being silly.  lol!

You never would have known the oasis was there!

We spot Horseshoe Palm Oasis from the trail

Some huge barrel cacti

Between Pushwalla and Horshoe Palm trails, we figure we walked between 7 and 8 miles ( 11-12.87 kilometers). It took us 3 hours. That sounds about right, because on the Camino I usually take about 6 hours to walk 20-25 kilometers.  A healthy distance. Much of the time the walking was in gently rolling terrain and sandy washes, but the dives into the canyons and the climbs out were difficult for me. I need to get into better shape.

Today, there is a new 5 mile trail opening near us, off Corkhill Road. We're going to give it a try before the heat sets in.

Happy Training!

Annie

Training for the 2018 Camino

Well, it's March, which means it's time to begin serious training for the 2018 Camino. I always say it's best to begin slow then add distance as you gain strength. Sometimes I train while on the Camino - just depends on how life goes.

Thursday, March 1, I took a nice hike up nearly to the edge of the cone of Saddle Mountain, looking for fire agates. 

Today I walked up to the toe of the nearby mountains in Desert Hot Springs. The desert is beginning to blossom, and I was excited to see several plants and cacti in bloom.

Things were blooming in the resort too...

The walk was no more than 2 miles in the sand, and was pretty easy. I'll rest a day tomorrow - maybe just walk the streets of the resort - then take a longer hike on Wednesday.

My ankle hasn't been bothering me too much this year, though every now and then it complains.

How about you?
Are you doing any training?