Start: 585.2
Stop: 614.6
Today’s Miles: 26.4
Total CDT miles: 476
Days with rain: 4
When I say the trail provides, boy does it! Pebbles was packed and on trail before I ever even got out of my tent. I woke up with my feet still throbbing and wondering why the hell I’m even doing this. I can’t keep up with him, and honestly, if my feet and legs continue to hurt like this, I don’t plan on trying. It might be time to let him hike ahead on his own so I can quit feeling like I’m holding him back. It’s frustrating as hell, but he is so much younger and fitter than me.. so why keep trying to keep up when it’s just making me and him miserable?
I left only 20 minutes after Pebbles, but man I was hobbling. Every step hurt, and I was so very slow going. And I decided I didn’t care. The trail was pretty gorgeous, so I did my best to just soak that in, and tell myself that if it’s time to split up, it’s time-we need to both hike our own hike.
Around 7:30, I came across two guys at a Bronco at a dirt road crossing. They offered me a Gatorade, so I took it and chatted with them while I drank it (mainly so I could give them the empty bottle back.. I didn’t want to tote it). Squirt is hiking the CDT now, and his friend, Animal rented the Bronco and is slack packing him for a few days while they hike and explore together! So cool! Animal hiked the CDT in 2016, and had been looking for ways to give back to current hikers, so while he and Squirt do their thing, any hikers they come across they offer trail magic to. I want to do this!
The Gatorade rejuvenated me and really perked up my mood. Pebbles was no where to be seen, but I was no longer down in my feelings. The ibuprofen probably also kicked in, too. My little miracle anti-inflammatory drug. I was happy as a clam and smiling at every little bush and flower as Squirt came flying past me. He was kind enough to slow down and chat a minute before heading off at a very fast pace. He’s like Pebbles (plus maybe 20 ish years), 6 foot something and thin with a long stride, and-he’s slack packing-so not toting any weight at all on his back. He was out of sight within minutes of passing me!
When I got to the next dirt road crossing, Pebbles was sitting there with Squirt, Animal, and the Bronco, drinking coffee! They offered to slack pack the two of us the next 5 miles! On the day my feet needed it the most, these two come out of the woodwork and help a girl out! We haven’t seen other hikers AT ALL practically, and here we are getting slack packed! See. The trail provides.
I happily slung my whole pack in the Bronco, only bringing a water bottle. 5 miles? I could go without everything for 5 miles! We started off together, the three of us, and then even going much faster myself, those two were way faster than I’d ever be! I’d have to actually run to keep up. No thanks! I told them to go ahead and just enjoyed my 5 mile pack free hike.
The terrain was up and over mesas, with desert all around. It honestly felt like being in Monument Valley. Stunning views all around, rock formations of all kinds, pinnacles and sweeping valleys between them all. I was in awe the entire 5 miles. The sky was overcast and I could see storm clouds rolling in, but even that added to the beauty of it all. I was so so content.
When I got to the meeting point, everyone was there and starting to eat lunch. I did the same, sitting on the ground listening to them chat. Animal and Squirt wanted to know if we wanted to slack to the next road crossing, and camp there with them.. which would be the 20 miles Pebbles and I was planning on today anyway (that I 100% did NOT think I was going to make it to this morning). We said we were in, and got to hiking.
More gorgeous views and the clouds were rolling in thick with rain.. but none had dropped from the sky yet. How lucky were we?!
Until, that is, I got to a road that I wasn’t expecting to see everyone at, because it was way too soon.. apparently, the road Animal wanted to camp at was impassable, so he quickly whipped around the Bronco and got to this road crossing to cut us off. The deal was either we take our packs from him now, and camp where we originally intended, without them, we hike 13 miles on the trail to the next road crossing, or we hike 10 miles on the dirt road to that same road crossing and camp with them.
If we took options 2 or 3, we’d slack pack it and not have the full weights of our packs. With the storm rolling in and sure to pound us at any minute, I didn’t feel safe taking the trail, as it went higher and more exposed than the road. When I pointed that out, Pebbles and Squirt quickly agreed: road walk 10 miles and camp with Animal! Heck yeah!
So, off we went. Within 20 minutes, the sky let out all of the anger it was holding. Lightening, thunder, and so much rain! I was worried about Animal navigating these back county dirt roads in the downpour, because I could barely see through it and it was like being stuck in quicksand. The mud just continues to cake and cake on your shoes to where lifting your leg feels like 30 pounds are attached to each foot. It was tough going. And when you pick up any speed at all, it’s a slip and slide!
We could see the Bronco’s tire tracks on the road, and where he slide a bit at times too. When I finally turned the corner and could see that gorgeous SUV in the distance, I all but screamed! I was so damn happy! Plus, Animal was going to make us all dinner! If I could have ran without falling in that mud, I would have!
I made it to everyone just before 6:30pm! Animal made us grilled brats, hamburgers with cheese, avocado, tomato, and lettuce, potato salad and coleslaw. I ate like a flipping pig! Once everyone had their feel, which I made sure Squirt and Animal were done, I demolished the rest of the coleslaw. Talking with them and Pebbles, laughing, eating good food, enjoying everything about the crazy day and the trail and how it all works out how it’s supposed to, all it combined just had me so freaking thankful for this day. I truly didn’t think I’d make the 20 miles to catch up to Pebbles, let alone 26 miles with new friends. I’m beside myself with gratitude.
Anyway. We ate and then Pebbles and I set up our tents on one side of the dirt road, Squirt set his up on the other side and closer to the Bronco, Animal set his sleep stuff up inside the Bronco. As we were all setting up and winding down for the night, close to dark, 3 motorcycles/dirt bikes come squawking through. As they go over the cattle guard the dirt road intersection, across from us, 2 of the 3 bikes shut off. Uh oh. Apparently, the thick mud did something to their clutches.
We listen to the 3 of them freak out, panic, and attempt to work it out. Animal starts to walk over it offer his assistance in anyway, and a dude waves him off. Ok, figure it out yourselves then. And after 30 or so minutes of revving engines and bikes not moving, they decide they need to just set up camp tonight and deal with it in the morning. So, the three of them are across the dirt road from Pebbles and I, and diagonal from Animal and Squirt.
As I lay here in my tent, motorcycle guys are all on their individual phones telling their people about their mishap. I get it, but also, it’s after hiker midnight now, so please shut up. Eh, whatever, my belly is full and my heart is content. I guess it’s time to try to sleep regardless. Because we got an extra 6 miles done today. We only have a little over 13 to Cuba, New Mexico tomorrow. And, we’re getting a motel room, so a shower and a bed is in order.. I’m excited. And so very thankful that today worked out the way it did, the trail provided, and I don’t have to split up from Pebbles for being too slow.. yet. Ha. Goodnight yall.