Chance got me up at sunrise and off we went into the desert. I forgot to say yesterday that we are entering an area called the Great Divide Basin or also, the Red Desert. Today we actually got it easy though, as a big thunderstorm rolled through, keeping it a bit cooler. It even rained a bit.
The miles came easily and my only concern was water. I got some out of a spring around lunch, and the next water from there is 25 miles. Walking away from that spring I felt quite vulnerable. Any big mistake, getting lost, missing the next water, or getting more injured… Big trouble. I don’t ever remember feeling that way on the PCT, probably because there were way more people and lots of cached water on top of the springs in the desert.
Anyways, the whole day was a bit of a grind, but at least it was quick. I scared off tons of antelope, but I’m still looking for wild horses, which are apparently out here somewhere…
Daily Summary
Date: Aug 25, 2011
Day 62
Daily Distance: 31.7 miles
Trip Distance: 1198.7 miles
Ryley: Donna and I have been following your progress and really enjoy your comments and updates – especially the time you ordered pizza …..delivery. Best wishes for a successful journey. We were in southern Utah in the Canyonlands and Arches NP area and Mesa Verde NP during May which will be on your far right hand side as you progress through Colorado. Are you going to see Utah or head into N. Mexico? Fantastic scenery in this region.
Ciao for now. Brian
yes, I was there a while ago too-just spectacular country.