CDT mile 215, miles hiked 26
When I set off this morning my only intention was to have some quiet time to myself.  I am actually in a good pattern of waking early and getting out first.  This allows me to have some nice quiet time to enjoy the sounds of nature, and meditate so to speak.

We started the day with a short road walk, and then went up an alternate on trail 793 which takes you through Bear Creek Canyon.  It was a super cool hike, the last 2 miles were in a slot canyon and had that old west feel you only find out here.

one of many cool cliffs in the Gila

From there I hit the middle fork of the Gila.  It was a few quick miles up to Jordan hot springs and nice natural pool that stays at 94 degrees. Shepherd and his flock were there soaking so I joined right in.  After a couple hours the boys showed up I was just finishing my lunch so we packed up and took off.  Bandit, Buttercup and I rolled the miles all day only stopping a few times for snacks, photos, and water.

So full of joy

We finally passed Shepherd, Spontaneous, and Crunch Master who were making camp in a nice meadow.  We carried on and finally picked a campsite at canyon creek.  Just as the light was fading and we were cooking dinner we saw Freefall come up the river and shortly behind him Sweet Potato.  They told us they never saw the Greg and big John was somewhere behind.

We started to tally up the miles and lo and behold we had hiked 26 miles I guess we were all feeling good from our rest at the Gila hot springs.