Read about the progress so far....see below

The time has finally arrived to start. My friend Joyce has volunteered to drive dog and I down to the beach to where we are to start the Trek Across America. When we arrived at Doheny State Beach we found that they were filled. After describing to the ranger at the gate what I was planning he stated they had one campsite open but was not a very nice campsite, it was small and next to the restroom. With the camp being packed and having three mountain dogs with us we decided it would not be a good campsite. Next we tried Casper Regional Park, no pets were allowed. We drove up to the Lower San Juan Camp and found a campsite. It had an old fashion hand pump for water and primitive restrooms but we needed nothing more.

AUGUST 12, 2002

Woke up early, packed and headed down to Doheny State Beach. Joyce took photos of me filling water bottles of Pacific Ocean water to later deposit into the Atlantic Ocean. Started on trail at around 9:30am, the weather was overcast; temperature was perfect for hiking a bit humid that was to worsen when the sun heated. Stopped at Mission San Juan Capistrano for a photo, received a phone call from Mom and Dad. Dad stated Grandpa used to hike from San Juan Capistrano to San Jacinto in three days. Made it to Casper Park, felt it was a good days hike for the first day. Walking is on asphalt and concrete which makes it hard on the feet. We had been training in the San Jacinto Mountains on dirt and rocks so this was quit a change. Camped at a private campground Ortega Oaks RV Park and Campground, Dave and Penny Mielke the owners were the perfect host. Clean restroom, showers and a pool made it a pleasure to camp here.

AUGUST 13, 2002

In the morning Joyce drove me back to Casper Campground to pick up where I had stopped the day before. We said our good bys and I started day two. Spent day dodging cars and enjoying the mountains, it felt good to be out of the city. Stopped at Lower San Juan Campground to refill water bottles, then onward to Ortega Oaks Camp were we camped the night before. When I arrived I was surprised to find Joyce was they're waiting for me. Joyce said she was worried because of the road had no shoulder and was scared I would get hit by a motorist. Had a dip in the pool, shower, and waited a bit for the weather to cool off, then onward to El Cariso Campground. Traffic was bad all day and still this evening it had not slowed down. Made it to campground just as it was getting dark, had a nice dinner made phone call then to bed. It had been a long day, all up hill but I was pleased with the progress.

AUGUST 14, 2002

Woke up early, packed, checked dogs pads on her feet. Dog had been doing well but her pads are wearing thin. I had bought some boots for her but they are too large and keep falling off, I will have to replace them. Found a fire road that we can use today, it leaves right behind the camp and drops down into Lake Elsinore. I decide this would be a good route today; it would be good to walk on dirt and not have to dodge cars all day. I let Dog off her leash and she was happy as can be. She spotted a deer and gave chase for a bit. Stopped for lunch at a Bar-B-Q restaurant, had some great ribs, Dog enjoyed the ribs also. Dogs feet are really hurting her now along with mine. I notice the sole of my boots are getting thin, I can feel every pebble that I step on. It's the hottest day yet, and we can feel the toll it is having on us. Have to keep stopping to buy water for dog and I. The hill and sole on my boots are starting to separate from the boots. Joyce calls, I tell her about what is going on with our feet. She says she is coming to pick us up, so that we can get a good rest. When she arrives we are six miles from the town of Perris.

AUGUST 15, 2002

We take the day off; I head down to Temecula to buy a new pair of boots for Dog and I. Find a pair of Lowa boots that I like at Sports Chalet. The Manager, Frank Cruz has been very supportive along with all of his staff, they have just about everything you need for an adventure. I now have a new pair of boots and Dog two sets. On the way home I stop by Jam-It Graphics Inc. to pick up some bandanas I had ordered, they had promised to deliver them up to Lake Hemet the week before but they had never arrived. They stated that they had been delivered and left on my doorsteps. They said they would make it good and replace the bandanas. When I arrive home I told Joyce about the bandanas, asked if I had given the right address, she suggested I check other porches. Well my face turns red, two doors down are my bandanas, and I will call Jam-It and apologies. Well tomorrow I will start again were I left off. Walk eleven miles to my sister Rosie and pick up two mules, Rosita and Willow. They will carry the pack on the trip back to Garner Valley. Saturday we will leave Nuevo and camp somewhere in San Jacinto or Hemet. Sunday up Bautista Canyon up to Anza. Monday hope to arrive in Garner Valley. This is of course if all goes well with the mules.

AUGUST 16, 2002

Arrived at my sister Rosie's house around twelve in the afternoon. Drop off last minute equipment I would need for the next day with the mules. Drove out on the route I would be taking this afternoon, the back roads, then through the town of Perris on hwy 74, to where I had stopped on Tuesday. I felt good this afternoon and make good time, I had decided to let dogs feet rest another day so I left her at my sister house. There was plenty of shoulder off the road so walking was a bit more relaxing then hiking along hwy 74 through the Ortega Mountains. Other then fighting off a Pit Bull type dog with my walking stick the trip to Perris was uneventful. When I walked through town I decided to stop by the People Store where Dad had bought my first pair of hiking boots back in the early sixties. The owners have changed hands and everything inside had also changed. The new owners where very nice people and seemed to be happy with their store. Stopped at Del Taco for a couple of tacos, fuel for the last four miles to reach Nuevo. Walked San Jacinto Street pretty much in the dark but there was plenty of moon light to light my way.
Arrived at Rosie's house around eight for a nice chicken dinner. Had a shower and a good sleep on the couch.

AUGUST 17, 2002

Woke up early to feed the mules, and start to pack. Found that all the packs where not brought over from my oldest sisters, Teresa's house in the Lake Mathews area. I called and she stated she would bring them over. Teresa and her Husband Harold arrive around noon along with to my surprise Mom and Dad and my middle sister Margaret. They watched as I pack the mules, Rosita did not disappoint them in giving her performance of the mule dance. They watched as I lead the mules down the road, I told Dad I would be stopping for water at there house a few miles down the road. When I arrived we put a couple of holes in Willows cinch, it had been getting loose. Dog had been limping again even with her new boots on, I decided to keep her there and let her recover. Took the back roads to the Lakeview Mountains, as I passed Dead Horse Hill I became sad seeing what they had done to it in the name of flood control. Followed the base of the Lakeview Mountains picking out rocks and peaks I used to visit when I was young. I was disappointed when I passed a rock that had Indian picture graphs on them, they now were covered with spray paint. Took a short break in the shade of the rock, tried to find a reason for the paint. Crossed Ramona Expressway near Bridge Street, walked between alfalfa fields, sprinklers made the trip interesting with Rosita. Rosita does not like walking through water, I had to lead Willow through first and then Rosita would follow. Worked my way over to Bridge Street, then to the San Jacinto riverbed. A young dog had started to follow us as we passed a house. Tried my best to get him to go home, so he joined us for a day and night. Camped in the riverbed just east of State Street. Joined that night by cousins and members of the Valley Wide Kayak Club. They had brought food that was already prepared and much needed water for the mules and myself. Everyone left around ten, and then it was time for bed.

August 18, 2002

Woke early to feed the mules and a light breakfast. Broke camp and packed the mules, Rosita, to my delight did only a small dance for me. My cousin Armando and his Wife Jody arrived around ten to take photos and to return the dog back to Bridge Street. Walk on the levee and riverbed most of the day. Somewhere along the way Rosita was able to open my fanny pack to get at some cookies I had in there. Along with the cookies all else was lost that was stored in there. Lost a bag Rosie's Husband Joe had given me to hold my solar panel, the solar panel is small, and used to charge the cell phone. I walked back about a quarter mile and was able to find it. Came out of riverbed on Fairview Street, had lots of visitor as we walked along the street. Couldn't get past a new housing development that had flags out to attract attention. Had to turn back and take Chicago Street, then to Olive Street to get back onto Fairview. Stopped at Fairview and Florida Avenue (Hwy 74) to use the phone and lunch. Continued up Fairview to Bautista Canyon, saw Sam Goepp from Valley Wide Recreation along the way, along with a fellow wood carver Mark Perinsky from Lake Hemet Water District. Joyce met me for dinner and spent the night at Bautista Conservation Camp. I had worked here for a few years and was able to get permission to stay in there staging area. It had water, picnic tables and trees to tie out the mules.

AUGUST 19, 2002

Woke up with plans to make it back to Garner Valley today. Broke camp, packed the mules, Rosita did not dance for me this morning. Walked up Bautista Canyon to the town of Anza, made a left on Mitchelle Road, then a Right on Barnham Street. Met my friend George Biddle, he asked about the trip and how the mules had done. George has five acres across the street and he offered a night stay for the mules, this sounded good so we accept. I called Joyce with the news, she picks me up and we return to Lake Hemet for a shower and a bed to sleep in for the night.

AUGUST 20, 2002

Returned to Anza to finish the hike to Garner Valley, My Daughter, Kathy hikes with me for a bit, this makes the trip this morning very special to me. Along the way Carl Long from the local newspaper (The Anza Outlook) finds us, he interviews us and takes photos for the paper. Kathy departs home when we reach town, I thank her for the company. Met Willow's previous owner, she asked how she did, as we were stopped folks stopped and took picture, children came up and hugged the mules. Rosita and Willow have become quit the hams for these stops. They have worked out a plan where they stand side by side for the photos. We meet John Crowly along the way, he is a Volunteer Firefighter were I worked the last three years at Garner Valley Station #53. He does some scouting for me; finds out info from the Anza Electrical Coop on the use of their new power line road over Thomas Mountain. When I arrive at the coop they give me permission and info on getting to it from there. Have lunch at the Tumbleweed Junction, and then head out. The road is steep in a few spots but we make good time over the mountain.

We arrive at Lynn Murphy's house around noon; the mules will be kept here till the weather cools a bit in the desert. Then we will head out again on this trek across America.

October 22, 2002

Well, it has finally cooled down in the desert. Unfortunately the weather everywhere else has turned rather cool. This morning at Lake Hemet it was twenty-six degrees, a bit cool. We have also encountered a forest closure by the USFS because of the drought and fire danger. This has caused us to do a reroute and trailer the mules down to Lake Cauhilla on Wednesday, spend the night and start on Thursday.
Another change is my friend Joyce; she has decided to accompany the mules and I along this trip. We are delighted to have her along; she will drive a support vehicle pulling a small travel trailer. We hope this will take care of the problem of water and feed during this part of the journey, not to mention the company of having your girl friend along on a journey of this sort. Joyce has also taken on the responsibility of Public Relations along with support.

October 23, 2002

Hi my name is Joyce Hutchison and I will be taking on the responsibility of helping to update the web site for Jose. The day has come to start this leg of the trek. Jose and his sister Rosie have taken the mules down to Lake Cahuilla when they return, Jose and I will take the truck and trailer down to join the mules. We arrived at Lake Cahuilla late ass usual, but the mules were fine and anxious to see us. The people at Corky Larsen equestrian center were very nice and helpful with providing shelter for the mules. By the time we unloaded the trailer to make room for sleep, and fed the mules it was well after 11:00 p.m.

October 24, 2002

Wow what a night. Between three dogs, two mules and a cat, we got very little to no sleep. We decided to stay at Lake Cahuilla another day so Jose could start his journey with a good nights sleep, besides being a nice place to just enjoy.

Jose set out making his contraption (Single Hobble Picket) for tying the mules so they could be contained at the next stop, which will be the mouth of Box Canyon. After completing that task he decided to try them out. What a show. Rosita broke away instantly and Jose had to give chase. She is surely the devil mule as he calls her. Jose invented a new sport of sand skiing by mule draggin you behind her.

We went to town for more supplies for his contraption and returned to continue his task. Rosita got away one more time, but then it was perfected. (So we thought.)

The rest of the afternoon was relaxing, had dinner and had a semi good night with the animals.

October 25,2002

A pleasant surprise when my girlfriend K.C. knocked on the door with sweet rolls. We got up and proceeded to feed mules dogs and cat. I made breakfast for Jose and he set off on his journey to the mouth of Box Canyon. K.C. and I finished cleaning up camp and picking up the mule's water buckets and misc. stuff left lying on the ground. After a quick toast to the journey we left and went to Marilyn's for supplies. Marilyn is a friend of mine and she belongs to the Back Country Horseman', she also owns a ranch where she grows Bermuda grass and oat hay and she graciously provided us with two huge bales of hay which we had to load into the truck. After showing us around her ranch I put laundry into her washer and dryer and set off for the feed store for pellets for the mules. Going to the grocery store in Thermal was an experience. I picked out a nice seven bone roast that had a price tag of five dollars, when I got to the register it was fifteen dollars. I didn't have a Vons card. The nice man gave me a card and I was on my way back to Marilyn's after picking up pizza for Jose which I was sure he was hungry by now. All I had left to do was fill the 55 gal. Water barrel in back of the truck. Said my good bye's and set out to find Jose. I found him in Mecca about 4p.m. he was not a happy traveler. Poor guy was starving and thirsty. Jose had been picking up dates on the side of the road to eat. This support job is not very easy.

Jose's Mules Update: After a wonderful breakfast, it was time to pack the mules and get started. Everyone waited for a show but Rosita let everyone down. We headed out of Lake Cauhilla onto Ave. 58 a right on Madison to the 60, then a left on Jackson. Our first difficulty was having eight full size German Shepherds come out and great us along the road. Next was going by all the Polo farms, Rosita did not want to leave the company of all these fine horses, there seemed to be hundreds of them. Just before Ave. 66 we met a fellow by the name of Don Courtney, he stated that his parents had sold their home and moved to Lake Hemet, I will have to look them up when I return. Crossing the 86 while traveling on Ave. 66 was not bad, this is a four way stop, now crossing the 86 south is another story. If you can keep the mules standing still long enough you will have your chance to cross. The 111 in Mecca, Mmm. This was interesting, you become part of the traffic, go through the stoplights and over the railroad tracks. Met Joyce at a park for lunch, there were about fifty homeless people living here, so did not stay long. The last five miles to the mouth of Box Canyon is along vineyards and citrus grove with plenty of shoulder for the mules, dog and I. At the mouth of Box Canyon you come to a canal, this is the start of the Bradshaw Trail that was put in during the gold rush in Arizona and later used by Overland Stage and freighters. I had thought of using the route at one time, but was glad I had a chance to walk through Box Canyon. Joyce had her first experience setting up a mule camp, she had my slippers out, a cold beer and dinner ready for when I pulled in. She was not used to me having to put the mule up and settled in before I could relax. I had asked for a tree if possible, she did find a tree but the ground was covered with glass. We had to move camp about twenty-five yards; this did not make me very popular that night. Lake Cauhilla, as Joyce has stated is a great place to camp with your mules, lots of trails, water and it looks like they are putting electric and sewer in.

October 26, 2002

Woke Jose up about 7 a.m. and he went out to take care of the mules while I made breakfast. Rosita was her usual brat that morning but Jose handled her well. Jose started out on his trip through the box canyon while I packed up camp, hooked up the trailer, washed dishes and prepared his lunch. After about two hours I took off to serve lunch. We took about an hour break by Shavers well Mountain and I set off to find the next spot suitable for the mules. I drove through the box canyon, turned on Pinto road and made my way to Chariaco Summit. We camped here for the night.

Jose's Mule Update: The Mules are still here this morning. After we all ate, packed and started out. I cannot tell you how enjoyable this day was, the view, the relaxation of hike in the wash, the temperature was perfect. We met Joyce moving the trailer up at about three miles, met again for lunch at Shavers Well Mtn., She asked where my glove was at, and I had lost one while repacking Willows pack. We unhooked the trailer and she headed back to where she thought she had seen it. She returned in a few minuets with my glove, I decided not to use them any more for fear a losing them again. (My mistake) Box Canyon, if you have equestrian this is a place you must spend some time in. There are riding and hiking trails with plenty of parking at the trailheads. The rock formations are like something you would find at Disneyland, but only made by Mother Earth. Made it to Chariaco Summit today after walking over the I-10 overpass.

October 27,2002

Woke up at Chariaco Summit and decided to stay another day so we could go to the museum. We went down the road about 500yards to the little café for breakfast. The waitress was slow so we were there a good hour or so. We came out the door of the restaurant and could look towards camp and saw Rosita and Willow running around free as a Jaybird. Panic set in on both of us being so close to the freeway and all. It took about 45 min. to catch them and get them tied back down. Once we were sure they were safely tied we drove to Desert Center to see which side of freeway looked more feasible to travel the next day. The rest of the day was a good rest for Jose and a well-needed rest for DOG.

October 28, 2002

Day started just like the rest, Jose leaves I clean up camp, pack everything up and take off to meet Jose for his lunch. I met Jose at Red Cloud Rd. for lunch and a break. Everything went well for Jose and the mules, but DOG was worn out. She could barely walk. I decided to keep DOG with me in the truck even though my female and her don't get along. I put my female Rotweiler in the trailer and my male and DOG in the cab with me. Jose took off with the mules and I drove up onto the freeway for the first time with this truck and trailer loaded down with supplies. Boy is this support work hard and scary. I made it about 6 miles down the freeway when the trailer started whipping around behind me I slowly slowed down and got the trailer under control and got off the freeway at the next exit. I parked the truck and got out to check the dog in the back of the trailer, She was petrified. A lot of the contents of the trailer were on the floor and the cat was nowhere to be found. This is where I stayed and waited for Jose to catch up. When he arrived we moved down the road about a quarter mile to an old abandoned gas station on Ragsdale Road where we made camp and spent the night.

Jose's Mule Update: Packed the mules after they finished their morning feed watered them down for a hike across to Desert Center. We walked east on the north side of the I-10, followed a dirt road for a bit, then we made our own path. We walk about two hundred yards in from the freeway because of trash and broken glass. Have to stop a mile into the hike to fix Willows pack, this has turned into a daily routine. Because of Willow size and shape it is hard to keep her pack on after a few ours of hiking. After leaving Red Cloud Road we found the gas-line road, this is a good road that took us all the way to Desert Center. Camped at an old abandon gas station, tied mules to trees for the night.

October 29,2002

This turned out to be a wonderful day. I drove down one mile to Desert Center, turned the corner and went about four miles to the Lake Tamarisk fire station. The captain there was gracious enough to let us shower and clean up before we journeyed on down the road one mile to McGoo's. McGoo's is a little country market about three miles down the road from Desert Center. I went in and introduced myself to Ken Statler and told them about Jose coming with the mules. They were very friendly and allowed us to stay in their parking lot, which was dirt and had a tree large enough for Rosita and Willow to stand under and were in the shade. We decided to stay here instead of going on. Short day but we needed it. If you ever go by this market make sure you stop, just to look
Around if nothing else. Lots of interesting items for sale. We really appreciated Ken's hospitality.

Jose's Mule Update: Short day today, five mile today. Walked up Kaiser Rd. to Oasis Rd. to Sta. 50 for Shower, then to the 177. Camped at McGoo's.
We had plenty of water and the owner of McGoo's offered us a bale of alfalfa hay. Good trees to tie off to for the night.

October 30,2002

Jose's Mule Update: Hike along Hwy 177 all day, Rosita had fun with all the eighteen wheel trucks. We tried to walk in the desert when we could but met fences and Jojoba fields to we made it to the Desert Lily Reserve. We set up dry camp at fourteen mile BLM road. Used single hobble pick on mule, Willow escaped once during the night but was easy to catch.

October 31, 2002

Jose's Mule Update: Hiked another day along the 177, rough walking on lava rock. Next water is 15.2 mile at the California Aqueduct on Hwy 62. Plenty of water tonight, you need a small bucket to dip water out of a small weir set up for wildlife. Rosita escaped from picket this night.

November 1, 2002

Jose's Mule Update: Hiked along the 62 today, 17.2 miles to an old railroad town by the name of Midland. Used the single hobble picket again, Rosita escapes again. This is another dry camp.

November 2, 2002

Jose's Mule Update: 18 miles to Vidal Junction, camped on southwest corner, on old runway. We had plenty of water from the mini-mart store across the street. No escapes tonight. Mules along with Joyce and I are getting tired; we are ready to get to Needles for a break.

November 3, 2002

Jose's Mule Update: Hiked north on Hwy 95 (California Side) this is like a two lane freeway with all the traffic. We can hike off the road in the desert, but hiking is tough because of all the rain bars having to go over or around. Had to put two holes in my fine Stetson hat to hold it down because of the wind. The wind has us all on edge; Rosita does a lot of dancing today. We dry camp again at a Cal-Tran gravel storage area.

November 4, 2002

Jose's Mule Update: Another day of tough walking 16.2 miles. This is to make another night of dry camp. The last few miles were over small hills and washes trying to cut corners to save time, want to make Needles tomorrow. I tell the mules we have only one day to go for a rest, they seem to understand and dig their heels in to make over the next hill. Joyce has found a beautiful spot to camp under some needle mountains.

November 5, 2002

Jose's Mule Update: As I pack the mules I tell them this is the last day and they will get a well-deserved rest. I think this is more for me then for them, my feet are hurting pretty good by now. I readjust breeching straps on both packsaddles, they have been rubbing the hair off their rumps. I have been playing with them the last couple of days trying to figure out which ones need to be lengthen or tighten; I think I finally have it figured out. We climb a few hills today, walk along ridge tops and washes. After about six miles we make it out of the hills, we think. More hills up ahead, but not to bad, Joyce calls on the cell phone she is at Park Moabi, has a camp site along the river. Joyce brings lunch and water for the mules, we meet on the 95, about two miles below Gas plant. She told of a wash that left from the gas plant and led all the way to Camp Moabi, I would have to take the mules through a tunnel under the railroad tracks. Decide to cut across desert to Five Mile road just west of inspection station. Miss off ramp by about a quarter mile, cross over I-40, a truck blows his horn while on overpass, this does not set well with Rosita. Cross under train trestle, then follow road along railroad tracks, guess what. After about a mile a train comes, do a bit of sand dragging on my belly by Rosita. Find a road along river, this takes us a couple more miles then it ends. Hike through mesquite brush in shorts to get to another gas pipeline road. Meet Joyce about a mile from Camp Moabi, she drives as we walk behind back to camp. I tell the mules they can sleep in tomorrow, they get to stay in a round pin for a few more days of rest.

November 6, 2002

Joyce's update: I have not written anything in the last 8 days. I haven't had anything good to say so I figured you all would figure it out that I was not a happy camper. I have muscles in my arms that only men have. My back is aching, my neck feels stiff, my legs hurt and I am overall beat. Jacking the trailer up and down off the truck to run for water and food is a real chore. Now you wouldn't think of this as a big deal, but the hitch on this truck will not let go of the trailer. You have to jack it up and down, kick the trailer, jump on the bumper, pull forward and back and say a lot of prayers for the truck to let the trailer go. Hauling water in the mules bucket so it is ready when Jose gets to camp is back breaking. Putting out the hobble lines and trying to hammer in the stakes is also a man's job. When Jose gets to camp, everything is set up his chair is out with a beer beside it and all he has to do is unpack the mules and put the hobble around their feet. The only high point of the last eight days was Vidal Junction. Debbie, Amy, and Kim were wonderful company since I was alone all day long with nothing but work to do. I had asked for carrots for the mules the day before we arrived and they didn't have carrots. Amy was working and offered to pick some up in Parker and have them there for me the next day. I only wanted a small bag of carrots like you get at the grocery store, Kim showed up at our campsite around flourish with forty lbs. of carrots. I invited her to stay and have Tuna casserole with us and we had a nice visit. Turns out she was a fire fighter too. She and Jose knew some of the same people. She left around 9 p.m. and we went to bed past our bedtime. We are lucky to make it past 7:30. We arose late the next morning and we were to meet Kim for breakfast at the café. Kim was at the counter waiting for us when we arrived. Debbie and Amy were working at the café. We ordered breakfast and it was delicious. By now it was getting to be 9:00 a.m. so we took our leave and went to pack the mules. While Jose was packing the mules I packed up the rest of camp, loaded the trailer and the truck and we went to take pictures of the girls with the mules and Jose. The next eight days was more of the same hard workday after day all the way through the miserable desert. We are now on vacation I'd had a long hot shower and I feel much better. Will update more after 4 or 5 days off.

Jose will be adding updates to this section about his journey through the desert and into Arizona.