Well I made it to the springs but got a later start than I had wanted. I did not get to the Bowen Ranch parking area until 9:30am. I tried a little different route on this trip, on my way up from Long Beach I got off the I-15 at the 138 and headed towards Silverwood Lake. I then took the 173 to the Mojave Forks dam and then I took Arrowhead Lake Road to Rock Springs road. It was a nice change of scenery but I think it took longer to drive in then if I would have done my usual route of coming in off the I-15 on Main street.

When I got to the ranch parking lot there were two different groups breaking down their campsites. It was already very warm out by the time I parked. I disrobed for my free hike in, loaded up my back pack with lots of water, a wire brush and some trash bags. I also carried my trash grabber. I filled up one plastic grocery bag with trash on my way down to the springs. During my hike in I only passed one couple heading back up the trail.

There were about a dozen people at the springs when I arrived, I say about 85% were textile. I crossed the creek, which is barely up to knee deep and set up under the trees by the anniversary pool. Right when I got there I saw Pan leaving the anniversary pool and head over to the trees on the upstream side of the beach. I stepped into the anniversary pool but it was way to hot to soak in so I went to the creek for a swim and then soaked in the womb for a short while.

I was expecting to find a lot of trash at the springs since the Fourth of July was just two days prior to my visit. To my suprise the springs were relativly clear of trash. I took a nap under the trees and went for another swim. I never got a chance to work on the trail graffiti, it was just way too hot. I had to leave during the hottest part of the day....I started my hike out at around 2:30pm. I passed a few different groups coming down as I was going back up. One group was made up of four college age girls, two of them were hiking in topless, then I passed a guy coming down the trail with his dogs and finally right before the parking lot young couple was just starting down the trail.

I see Wizard made it down to the springs on Friday also, but somehow I must have missed him if he was there before I left.

By the time I got to my car I was really sweaty. I poured some water over myself trying to take a crude shower but I was still extremely hot. I decided to just put a towel down on my seat and drive out sans clothing. I did not get dressed until just before Central ave.

It was a good trip, but a lot hotter than what I am used to. If I make it up again during this hot season I will definately try to get a much earlier start and stay later so I don't have to hike in or out during the hottest times of the day. I think I will head to Blacks Beach during the summer months and enjoy the cool ocean breezes.