October 22nd, 2024
Mile Marker: Some Road
Miles Hiked: 17
This morning I woke up to frost covering my tent and cold temperatures. I decided to stay snug in my sleeping bag for as long as I possibly could especially since I knew we were taking it easy for the first part of today.
Around 8 I decided I had held my pee for long enough and headed to the camp bathroom. Once I came back I started to make breakfast and get organized with my resupply box.
It was so nice to just relax and take it slow. Eventually around 9 I went over to Aster and Whatever’s tent and they let me know that they were going to get back in the hot springs.
I was iffy because the thought of putting back on a wet sports bra seemed daunting. I would finish my coffee first and then decided.
Not too long later Akela walked by and let me know that they were getting in the hot spring and that I should join. I decided I could endure the cold sports bra for a couple minutes until I got into the spring.
It was so cozy sitting in the hot spring while it was cold outside. The morning sun was going to take a while to hit us since we were at the base of a mountain.
I soaked for far too long, almost feeling light headed when I got out but it was worth it. I was enjoying myself. Then I went to pack my bags as soon as the sun hit the springs knowing that my tent would be dripping with the melting frost by the time I got there.
I packed up, then headed to Doc Campbells convenience store to finish charging our devices and dry out our tents. They have these cute toy border collies that were the cutest! I felt like they would be the perfect dog for me. Maybe someday.
While we were leaving Docs around 1 PM, later than anticipated, we crossed under a rope since the store was closed. Aster forgot she had her trekking poles in her bag and got stuck going under, it was quite hilarious and let us all have a good laugh before heading out.
We then headed down the road. This next section of trail has many options for which trail to take. Each option felt like picking your own poison, each having parts we disliked. We decided we could endure road walking the best so we headed down NM 15.
We started out with a long steady climb up and then mostly downhill for the rest of the day. My legs once again felt good so I was cruising along easily minus a knot in my shoulder.
The route was scenic which we appreciated as it helped take our minds off the lull of the pavement.
It was easy walking so it was hard to complain. Typically we refrain from taking the road but for some reason we all felt a pull to take this option so that’s what we did. Once again the beauty of the CDT, take whichever route is best for you.
As evening was approaching, we decided that we would try and find a spot around the 15 mile mark where we would refill on water.
Once we got there we realized there wasn’t many camping options and it was way colder down in the valley so we all preferred to continue back up the climb.
Darkness approached us and it was clear we would be hiking into the night. We all appreciated it though as there was hardly any cars and the temperature wasn’t too bad.
As we walked through the dark we realized we were in a private lands area and to avoid trespassing off the road we hiked on. Eventually after a few miles we found an area that was small but suitable for all of us between the trees.
We aren’t too hidden from the road which I don’t love, but hopefully it’ll be okay since it doesn’t seem to be a busy road.
We will finally get into an actual town tomorrow evening and I’m so ready for it. It’s been since Grants since we have been in a bigger town!
Hope for some sleep!
Night Night.
Iz and Oz
Izzy + Ozzy 