WYOMING!!

Well, we made it to Rawlins, Wyoming. A forest fire behind us (Morgan Creek) and forest fires ahead of us in Idaho and Montana. For some reason Wyoming has been spared at the moment but is a bit smoky, making for some magnificent sunrises and sunsets.

I really enjoyed the hiking the past eight days. Even the 36 miles of paved roadwalk. We saw a moose, a bunch of elk, and some antelope. Got in a dust/wind storm. Beautiful sunrises. We hike between 11-13 hours a day but we’re slow, so around 17-19 miles a day. The climbs are easier, and I’ll tell you a secret, steep climbs are really hard on me. A combination of trouble breathing (asthma) and not building muscle like I used to. One reason I’m looking forward to next week...

Tomorrow morning we head into the Great Divide Basin, a relatively flat and hot section, about 120 miles. Little shade and long water hauls—but I’m looking forward to making good time. Hopefully 25 mile days. And we‘ll be carrying some great food: small cereal packets (think Cinnamon Crisp, Frosted Cheerios, etc.), jalapeño kettle chips, dehydrated chili with an avocado, peanut butter-filled pretzels, dill pickles... we’ve gotten sick of the same old, same old, so we’re forging new territory in meal planning.

TYPICAL DAY ON TRAIL

4:00 am Wake up. Eat breakfast, drink coffee, break down camp.
5:00 Hike!
8:00 Snack break
10:30 Lunch break
12:30 Snack break
3:00 Snack break
4:30-6:30 Make camp, have tea and a sweet treat, eat dinner.
7:30 Watch something or read a book downloaded on my phone.
8:30 Sleep!

YES! I know, exciting, right? In my next blog entry I’ll describe a typical day in town.

I’m happy to say we’re still are enjoying ourselves and have the appetite to continue. Many have quit and gone home, due to fatigue, injury, or personal matters. Lucky to have each other and this opportunity. Onward to Landers, Wyoming. One of our favorite trail towns.