CDT mile 54.2, miles hikes today 20
Lounging in the shade and enjoying our umbrellas
We awoke at dark and broke camp quickly so we could make the 4 miles or so we needed to get to the well/tank and get water. After laying down some quick miles we arrived to find a cow pond full of cow pooh but we were happy to see the pipe that pumps into it was away from the water and was good for drinking from. Once we had our fill of water we cranked out the next 6 miles across the mostly flat desert to the next cache box. 10 by 10 once again which is hiker talk for ten miles by 10 am if you can do that the 20 mile days come easy.
A tire hold life-giving water in NM
We lounged for an hour drinking water and eating food, we agreed to meet at the tank in 5 or 6 miles to have a siesta and relax during the heat of the day. As we traversed the valley we gradually climbed until we reached the tank and what a treat it was, a virtual oasis in the desert. The tank was tall and there was shade a rare treat in these parts. We cooked up some lunch and took a long siesta. It was great to relax in the shade and get a nap, while I feel I could do bigger miles I know that there is no reason to push my body this early in the hike, just like a year of trading lumber I have to remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
If I go too fast too soon I might end up like this cow
Having a great time with the group “Buttercup” who is from Germany is keeping all us in good spirits and teaching us some German during the day. He is a great addition to the group and we hope he sticks around for a while. I am now laying in bed and enjoying the full moon as it rises over the mountains in front of me, I am so fortunate to be out here and it makes me appreciate even more the long road it took to reach this point in life. I wake each day in awe and wonder of what will lie around each turn and I take great joy in the little things like the horny toad I saw today.
Time for some rest, and a happy 420 to all….ps my wife texted me that I won the 420 contest at our neighborhood head shop and she picked up a new 4′ tall glass bong so ultra light-HA
