Returning to the scene of the accident

Day Seventy

Almost two weeks ago, I took a spill on the trail, hitting my head on a rock and jamming my thumb. The scab on my head is almost totally gone and while the swelling is down on my thumb it still has a way to get back to normal. I guess I sprained it pretty bad.

I hadn't been back to the spot and have had a bit of trepidation about going. I don't know why but today I got over it.

Starting up the hill, I carefully choose every step. There will be no falling down today.

Walking up the canyon I notice this dry fall below. Although I've hiked this trail numerous time I don't remember seeing it. I guess I've always been looking up to where I've been going but lately I've been looking down a bit more for some reason.

Red Barrel Cactus in bloom.

Here is the place I fell off the trail. Doesn't look like much. You can see how the bush on the left is smushed.

This is the culprit. This rock in the trail dislodged causing me to topple.

Looking closer you can see where the branches are broken and knocked down. Is that blood on one of them. Maybe that's where my head hit. Where is one of those CSI dudes when you need him?

I brought Kahlua with me today in case I needed a backup.

There are still plenty of flowers out there to enjoy and a few ducks left for me to kick over.

I've now exorcised the demon that haunted me and I'm ready to go and explore this trail again soon. I want to go and look at that dry fall and those rocks in the wash. I'm glad I saw that today and happy I came back to the scene of the accident. I finally convinced myself what I'd been telling people for the past week: it's not a big deal.

Slow and Easy

Day Sixty Two

My hand feels 100% better today and the swelling has diminished considerably. By next week, I'll be ready for a little more off trail scrambling but for now I'm sticking to the established trails. It's not really very exciting but it's good exercise and I get to see a few more people. Of course, that's not always a good thing.

I went back over to the Palm Desert Hiking Park and decided on the Hopalong Cassidy/Herb Jefferies Loop. You can pick up a FREE map of all the Palm Desert Trails at the Palm Desert Visitors Center on Painter's Path or just read this one at the trailhead.

I hike up the Gabby Hayes Trail like I have a couple of times already this year and hang a right at the first trail junction for the first time.

I am hoping there are plenty of flowers in bloom but am disappointed. There are far more flowers in both Palm Springs and La Quinta although the creosote is in full bloom.

And the brittlebush is finally coming to life.

I wonder if this is by the same stone circle makers as those in Palm Springs.

One thing the hiking park at the Cahuilla Hills Park lacks is a restroom. It's a big oversight. This trail into a canyon about halfway up the trail is to the only private spot on the trail. It's quickly obvious that many hikers use this as a potty break. I duck in there to pee only to be followed by another hiker thinking I'm on the main trail. Can't a man get a little privacy?

As you get higher on the hill, you get a nice view of Eisenhower and the mountains around it.

I head down the Herb Jefferies Trail and enjoy the view from it. My one previous adventure on this trail was taken at night. It's nice to see what the trail looks like.

If I have time tomorrow, I'll talk about how it's been to hike for two months every day. I also have a few pointers for those who might be considering undertaking such an endeavor.