Into Rawlins
I had woken up at my normal 5:30a time and gotten my breakfast all while tucked in my tent. I cook outside, obviously, but at arms length away so not to risk burning my tent but also not actually having to leave my sleeping bag. All good things.
A little up to start the day, but I was looking forward to the end of big climbs for a while. Or so I thought. While nothing terribly long or strenuous, there were definitely more than a few “bumps” as I had initially thought. Talking 400-500 foot inclines, so really nothing to complain about. But still, I’m pushing miles here!
The intention was to push about 31 miles. The terrain began to smooth out and even give a gradual descent. I saw a couple other thru-hikers, but no one I know. Being back on trail a few weeks later has brought out a whole new crew of folks, with a few I know scattered around.
It would seem Wyoming weather would just be a bunch of clouds scattered around, some with rain, others white and fluffy. Lots of open sky and flat lands around. At one point I thought about putting on rain gear through a blast of rain, but it only lasted 15 mins or so and I would be dry again in no time. Water sources, however, are definitely becoming more scare. Need to be more mindful of where I can get water than I was in CO.
I pushed to one source, which was a trickle. There was one off trail around 30 miles so I went there, but they were big ponds down off the trail. I really didn’t feel like climbing up and down and spending 45 mins getting water. There was another source listed 3 miles ahead, and I decided to push on to that.
At 34 miles for the day, I got there 20 mins before the sun set. It was a small stream running under a highway. It wasn’t the nicest or most flowing of water, but as it was late, I was thirsty, and there’s nothing else around, I made do. Definitely not as bad as cattle water I’ve had in the past.
The next day I woke up early and pushed forward. With 36 miles on the road to get into town, I was determined to make yesterday’s 34 miles worth something. So I trekked on.
The road was nicely paved, and had a smooth grade. While it wasn’t flat and there were ups, it wasn’t anything crazy.
Unfortunately, yesterday some big holes started making themselves known in my insoles. Not terribly annoying, but after yesterday’s 34 miles I started getting some blisters, under my calluses. At one point I took them out to try and trim the edges to make it smoother. But sadly, it didn’t work all that well and they continued to grow.
The miles peeled away as the road went on. Dry and hot, with not many water sources. At one point I went a few miles low, and saw one source that was pretty nasty… so went another 3 miles, half on empty. Luckily I found a good source and was able to sit and hydrate for a min, and fill up my water all the way.
Along the way were two coolers with water bottles folks left out, which was great and helpful. One fella actually stopped off to hand me another bottle. The road wasn’t very travelled, maybe a couple cars an hour. But nice to see someone would stop to help a stranger in the middle of nowhere!
Finally, just before 8p, I stumbled into town. Luckily the trail crosses right through and I didn’t have to worry about hitching. The kind fella at the front helped me get a room and sorted. It’s so nice being in WY and away from the crazy hotel prices of CO. I decided to take off a day to get some new insoles and let my feet heal. Cant do big miles if I’m just beating up my feet more and more.
The owner gave me a ride a couple blocks in his side by side (Gator type vehicle) as I wasn’t happily walking. I ate, then went off to bed!
The day off was fairly uneventful. Saw a bunch of hikers, and had to walk 2 miles to get to Walmart since everything’s closed here (Sunday). Even they didn’t have camp fuel in stock though. I’m hoping the one I have will last to Landers… fingers crossed. I’m not entirely confident, but will be mindful and quick to boil!
The rest is good, but the distraction of moving and hiking forward definitely helps the mental stability. It’s all a balance, I suppose!
Next four days are going to be 30 mile days. Wouldn’t be surprised if I push
