The first half of the day was a quest to cross the stifling heat and whining wind farms of the San Gorgonio gap. When we finally reached the refreshing waters of the Whitewater River, we basked there for hours. The evening stars watched us climb into the desert hills once more for a satisfying walk to Mission Creek. Hunger began its test of our wills, our friendship, and our endurence as the rations became more and more unsatisfying.