Ed headed back home today, which was sad. But he dropped food for me in two spots (in scent-proof bags), so I don’t have to carry six days’ worth of food. That was an amazing assist.
He got me on the trail at Cumbres Pass before 8:30 a.m. The trail was a delight – well maintained, switchbacks where needed, no downed logs, etc. Initially, I was making good time (+2 mph / +3.2 kph).
Before noon, though, I got into some overgrown areas that slowed me down a bit, but things got better once again.
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Heading for the Scenic Overlook
Yet in the early afternoon, things went downhill for a while. First, it kept sprinkling on and off – enough where I couldn’t take off my jacket or backpack cover, and I was getting rather warm.
When the rain finally stopped, I was in a pasture area with loads of wet, muddy spots and even running water. I was surprised to see so much mud and water from the rain which, while persistent, had been light. Eventually I saw the running water and mud came from melting snow! Not sure how long ago it snowed, but the terrain was so soaked that I had to go quite slowly to avoid slipping in the mud (and once I did slip and went down).
Thankfully, the trail eventually dried out. But then it became very rocky, which also hindered my progress. Still, I did the mileage I’d planned. I’m now tucked in the woods near a beautiful, scenic overlook, and I have wifi to boot. Yay!
Oh, must note that within a mile or two of my trek, I entered New Mexico.
Snowshoe
Today’s Miles: 16.7 (26.9 km)
CDT Miles to Date: 719.4 (1,157.8 km)
CDT Miles to Go: 2,380.6 (3,831.2 km)
