I didn't sleep much. The rain-fly on my tent was flapping in the wind with extreme fury and my sleeping pad had a slow leak. I finally got up and removed the rain-fly at some point. It wasn't actually that windy, it was just perfectly noisy with each constant flap in the breeze. And I won't be using that sleeping pad anymore. I was pretty much done attempting any rest and the Super Moon was about to set to the West. It was sooo bright. I caught some shots of my campsite, packed up my tent and waited for the sunrise to come over El Pico.
Time to hike out! I had two liters of water, plenty of energy, and was ready to boogie! Maybe 100 yards after I got back on the trail I came across a really nice flat and open pad site at a big split rock. It's well known as the split rock campsite. The only other reasonably easy place to camp would probably be down on the beach at the river below. That's where Mark, Molly, and I stayed 4 years ago.
I made excellent time on my hike out. 5.2 miles in about an hour and 45 minutes with a gulp of water to spare. My GPS watch died before the end but I got in touch with my parents using the walkie-talkie about 1.5 miles out and gave them a perfect ETA. I was happy to finish the hike, it was an amazing experience. I'll give it some time, but I'll probably be back.
My dad waited for me to come down the wash and caught videos of me. They make me happy. Reliving those final steps.
I rinsed off in the RV, checked in at the ranger station to let them know I was out and then said farewell to our adventure. Mom, Dad, I love you and am really happy we were able to spend time with each other in a place truly dear to me.
