CDT  Day 8: May 13, 2025

Start: 82.6

Stop: 83.7

Today’s Miles: 1.1

Total CDT miles: 83.7

The shuttle came at 9:50. We were wide awake way before that, so we ate breakfast, took pics with monument, listened to Freida a little more. Then, once the shuttle arrived with everyone about to start their journey, we took pics with them at the monument, too. There wasn’t much chit chat-I’ll blame it on their excitement to get started, and our excitement to get into a vehicle with air conditioning and no wind. 

Clint drove the shuttle and Danny, the guy over the CDTC I think (and the shuttle service in general) rode shot gun. They were both very nice and pretty funny. They mostly chatted the whole 2 hours to Hachita, with Pebbles and I chiming in every now and then. We didn’t care, take us to the EconoLodge and we’ll talk about whatever you want! Clint knew the 2 trucks that passed us on the poorly maintained dirt road.. he stopped to check in with them and talk bit. Small town vibes are my favorite, when everyone literally knows everyone! Apparently, the big border wall is coming here soon. That actually makes me pretty sad, but I guess there isn’t much separating the two countries at the moment. That rickety gate isn’t stopping anyone crossing in either direction. 

As we went, Clint stopped and he and Danny refilled the water caches along the way. We also stopped to talk to a couple of hikers we passed while on the road-Pebbles and I met them yesterday. The one guy is doing much better today. He looked like he was seconds from quitting yesterday. Then again, we did pass him during the hottest part of yesterday, and I probably looked like I was seconds from quitting, too! 

We got to Hachita, and while Clint and Danny refilled the empty water jugs, Pebbles and I went inside to use the community center bathroom. I also got a snack and drink from the store. We had another hour in the truck to get to downtown Lordsburg. They took us by their office to grab CDT hang tags for our packs. And then, finally, they took us  to the EconoLodge. What a beauty she was after all this time in the desert dirt! 

We told Danny and Clint our goodbyes and thanks for the water caches and the shuttle. It’s an incredible service they provide for hikers. Once we walked inside the motel, Dan was there. We chatted a bit and met Dairy Queen too; this is also her triple crown. She was so kind, and gave me the cord I need for my Garmin Inreach, since she had an extra! Hikers are the best people! (This whole time my Inreach has been dead to the world, because goofy me didn’t pack its charging cord! Whoops! I was planning to buy one today at the Family Dollar in town-now I don’t need to!!)

We checked in, put our stuff in our room and then went across the street to eat at Ramona’s. I had Enchiladas in red sauce and they were tasty. Nothing quite ever comes close to Nuevo Laredo back home, but these definitely hit the spot. Pebbles got the all you can eat salad bar and set to work getting his money’s worth. 

After we ate, we walked the 0.7 mile to the park Ashley dropped us off at a million years ago.  Veteran’s Park. We had to reconnect our footsteps. I did a 5k for this virtual fundraising thing I joined, but I had to walk it since I was in my crocs. I talked  to mom and to uncle keith while walking, all while realizing Lordsburg was in a severe wind storm alert. Good thing Pebbles and I got that motel room!! 

Pebbles was out of the shower when I got back, so I took my shower, then we organized a few things before we went to resupply at the Family Dollar right down the road. I only needed lunch food, and I don’t think Pebbles needed anything. He prepared much better than I did. We came back to the motel, after a pit stop at McDonalds-to go-and ate while watching Law and Order SVU. 

My WordPress app has decided it hates me, and is no longer working correctly. I’ve been sitting here trying to figure it out, while all of my things charge, but I keep getting frustrated. I’ve paid some bills, I’ve written this up-assuming I’ll get the dang thing to work-real awkward if I don’t and I’ve just been typing all of this stuff up to read back to myself! Anyway. I guess I gotta figure it out now-I’m only 8 days late on posting anything! Good night!