Day 1 - I'm on a solo hiking trip across the desert. This is my first night out in the wilderness (non camping zone) and its a bit freaky. I camped in a designated zone last night which made me realize the purpose of this trip was to get as far from humanity as possible.. The park is crowded this time of year, but I think barely anyone comes on this trail. Anyways I started a bit late today so I am currently on a canyon overlooking the vast land below. It is relatively windy, but it was my only option before daylight ended. Once the day is gone within an hour there is about a 30-40 degree change in temp (F). Right now it is about 38 degrees and this afternoon when I left it was near 70. I've decided to walk with the daylight so I am sleeping early (730 pm) to wake up at sunrise (around 6 am). After last night I decided my sleeping bag is not suitable for conditions like this. I went to buy a nylon insert but didn't want to waste 90 bucks at the outfitter. So my plan now is wearing layers of clothing and dropping a hand warmer in my bag (10 hr). It's keeping me warm for now, actually it is like an electric blanket. Dinner was cheddar broccoli noodles with spam and sundries tomato and hot chocolate with a splash of rum for a nightcap. Although it is scary out here I am enjoying the total solitude. I can look out and see all of the stars that I regret seeing in years. The moon peaks at 9 or 10 and I usually peep out of my tent since the coyotes let me know it is out. Total beauty and solitude. The geology of this place is amazing. This was all a lake at one time. Being that it is directly on the San Andreas fault it has pushed what used to be magma into giant granite boulders making it a rock climbing paradise. The boulders were weathered creating cracks and splits everywhere I look. Right now I'm up at about 4200 ft. There is more basalt and harder rock creating the canyon I am on. It's just an amazing place like nothing I can describe. The desert landscape makes me think I'm on another planet. My plan for tomorrow is to hike down the canyon descending around 1500 ft and heading to the water jug I previously cached this morning. I'm using about a gallon or more a day so water was a real concern before I left. I left a listed route with the rangers since I am solo just in case there is a need for search and rescue. I have a checkpoint at geology tour road tomorrow as well as keys tank. I plan on at least making it that far tomorrow if not further since I am about 8 hrs behind schedule as it is.