I woke up stoked for the hike into Cuba. It was another short day and the last several miles were on the road. It would be a breeze!
The hike began with a long, gradual downhill, but a mesa loomed ahead. I was sure I’d have to climb it, as I knew I had one big climb in the morning. Yep!
At one point I got off track, as the rock formations can be confusing to navigate if there isn’t an obvious cairn. There have been a wealth of markers on this stretch of trail, but every once in a while one is missing in a key spot. Or your eyes are drawn in one direction and you miss the cairn right next to you.
Anyway, it was a steep hike up, and I had to use my hands several times to scramble, but I made it.
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Homing in on Cuba
After that, the trail was flat atop the mesa for quite a while. There was scrubby vegetation and some trees; nothing too scenic. 
Eventually the trail became sandy, which can be a little difficult for walking. It was also mostly all under the full sun, and while I put sunscreen on my ears, I could feel the tops burning. Rats! I have burned the tops of my ears so often over the years.
When I reached the highway, I thought it would be an easy trek into Cuba. It should have been, but between the heat, my heavy pack and lack of nourishment, it was a slog. But then – I was there!
Living It Up in Cuba
Cuba seems a bit downtrodden, although its main drag was filled with vehicles at all times. I popped into a liquor store to see what local beers they had – it was 2:30 p.m. – and the place was packed! Crazy. I tried a lime-and-salt beer – we’ll see how it tastes.
Next up was lunch at a cafe. I had enchiladas, onion rings and a ton of Diet Pepsi. I also ordered a big salad for dinner tonight. It’s so weird how I couldn’t eat anything for days because I was so 
thirsty. But once I was in air conditioning, with lots of water and soda to drink, I could eat again.
I’m staying the night at the Chaco Lodge Hacienda a few miles outside of town. The owner said he’d shuttle me there if I met at the Phillips66 station. Long story short, he also owns the station – or at least the Mexican restaurant inside, which has all of these Trip Advisor awards.
That’s where I’ll be eating my breakfast tomorrow, courtesy of the Hacienda. I thought I’d be dining in the B&B, but the gas station is fine. I have to hike into town anyway to do laundry. It’s always an adventure!
Snowshoe
Today’s Miles: 15.3 (24.6 km)
CDT Miles to Date: 221.1 (355.8 km)
CDT Miles to Go: 2,878.9 (4,633.1 km)
