CDT mile 74.6, miles hiked 20

Sharing is caring and me and the crew share Salazon everyday

We woke as early as we could the full moon has been a blessing and a nightmare in the evenings.  On one hand, it illuminates the surroundings with a wonderful glow but when you are cowboy camping it’s like having a high-pressure sodium security light shining on your face and keeping you awake.

After leaving camp we made quick time to the box, I was enjoying the peaceful morning and self meditation as I walked, so much so that when I saw the boys I turned on the after burners and passed them by.  While hiking with others is nice it’s also a burden when you are looking for quite and solace of the mountains.  The rest of the day I would often walk alone and enjoy the sounds of nature and the crunch of the ground under my feet.

Alone on the playa fueling up with a UGO bar

We pushed hard to the next water tank which was a metal tank with some gnarly algee but once you dipped below it was fine.  We tried to make some shade as we were in no mans land of flat barren landscape.  After hours of trying with the tarps the wind picked up and the cows were thirsty so we said screw it and packed up and moved on.

Cow tanks are a hikers friend out here

About 3 miles later we found a wash with many trees and shade we plopped down and rested out the heat of the day.  Somehow Big John missed us and carried on, we eventually found him tucked under a tree.

Freefall took the time to make a structure while we rested

A treat today was getting a cell signal and checking with Suzy, it was great to hear her voice and chat a little about what each of us are up to, God I miss her and the pets.  My blister had grown very large but it only hurts when I am not hiking like now in camp or when I try to sleep.  I plan to get to Lordsburg in the am and drain the sucker in sterile environment.

This is one the gnarliest blisters i have had in years

All of us are dealing with various hiker ailments from sore muscles to blisters, chaffing of the nether regions and over exertion.  When we get to camp we are symphony of grunts, groans and kevetching.

Full moon rising

Well until next time enjoy this Wild America, I have pasta to eat and muscles to stretch