After hearing so many animals two nights ago, last night was quiet. Which was weird, since I was next to a river (Rio Vallecitos). I thought animals might be stopping by to drink. It rained three times and got cold, so the tent was wet this morning. Rats.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links (among regular links) to products I own and like, or which I think you might like. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Other hikers scoffed at me having two battery chargers – too much extra weight! – so I sent one home with Ed. Bad move. Now I can’t listen to audiobooks and have to turn the phone off to save juice. My one battery supposedly charges my phone for five days, and I’ll be on the trail for six. Dumb move.
Leaving Rio Vallecitos
I knew I wouldn’t have water for more than 12 miles (19.3 km), so I started off with three (heavy) liters. And that was the best part of the day. I lost my way several times due to no trail markers.
The trail also climbed for much of the day – and in a row. It was so disheartening, especially when there were steep, rocky climbs. At one point, the trail was relatively flat atop a ridge, but it was SUPER windy out, so it was still difficult.
Finding My Food Cache
The FarOut app noted there was a new section of trail that might not match the app. Thank goodness it was relatively easy to follow, leading us downhill to Canjilon Lakes, where Ed stashed my second food drop. I spotted it easily.
My itinerary called for another 6 miles (9.7 km), and I could have definitely done another 4 (6.4 km), despite the late hour and challenging day. But I 
realized that after Canjilon Lakes, there was just one tiny creek a few miles away. After that, no water for another 12 miles.
So I decided to camp near the creek, which is a slanted area filled with cow pies. But I’ll have plenty of water for dinner and coffee tomorrow morning, then can load up another three liters.
This creek is tiny, so it takes a long time to fill up. But at least I have water!
Snowshoe
Today’s Miles: 14.8 (23.8 km)
CDT Miles to Date: 769.7 (1,238.7 km)
CDT Miles to Go: 2,330.3 (3,750.3 km)
