Well.... I had to divert my route. When I arrived at the backcountry board for twin tanks a guy from Riverside told me a storm was moving in. Seeing as how I had walked 12 miles into the Pinto Basin I was a bit alarmed by the news. In this type of desert all of the rain running off from high ground (mostly granite, not very porous) would eventually cause a massive river to flush down where I was if it was severe enough. The rain in the desert will not recede right away like it will anywhere else even if it is just a ten minute downpour. My route was steady among washes and I was staying in low elevations. The fact that I could barely pitch my tent correctly last night (on granite in a wash of sand) worried me even more. If the rain was to hit my backpack was so full I would not be able to protect my gear... If it happened at night my chances of hypothermia were increased. So.... I decided my best option was to hurry and make it to or bear a road before the weather picked up. It was actually an interesting hike. I made my own trail out of the wash and ascending to the main road. The area was rich in mesquite and wildlife. Quail, jackrabbit, lizards... It was a good hike. However, when you ascend in an area like this lifting a 50 pound bag through a blocked canyon is typical. I think I bouldered the latter half of the hike wearing out my legs completely. By the time I got to the road it was already near sunset so I hitchhiked. Two people picked me up right away, they were from Vancouver, BC, Canada. It was a bit distracting realizing I have not really had a solid conversation with a person in 3 days so I stuttered at first. They turned out to be some of the most genuine people I have met so far. They were heading directly where my car was parked and we actually had a lot in common. In my younger days I used to climb rocks in Leavenworth, WA and Penticton, BC. I also kayaked the sunshine coast outside of Vancouver. These guys knew all of the places I was talking about so the conversation just kept going about locations and experiences. It made me realize that everyone out here is actually on the same page. We all just want to get away from the busy life and find ourselves in the middle of nowhere. At least the younger generations I have met so far are from inner city areas and just want to be friendly. Back home for me it seems like the majority of people want to find a bar and get laid... I'm not saying I never tried that before to those that know me... Anyways, these people are here to get out and feel independent instead of being rushed through the rat race of America today. I continuously think about going through customs when I head overseas. It's like being a cow in line to be branded... Out here it is just me the world and the people I cross paths with along the way that want to share their stories as much as I do. I know I said yesterday I wanted solitude and I think I found that on my three day hike. Now I am sitting by a nice campfire in a campground with a bunch of Germans. Amazing how things turn out right? It's Saturday night here and of course the park is full and everyone is howling at the moon while sipping on their bottle... But this time it makes me laugh. We all just want to feel wild again. Deep down somewhere I think everyone has it inside them. The need to be free like America was before. The need to be like our ancestors and live off essentials while testing ourselves to the limit. It's there, trust me, it's up to you to find it.