Day 24 a very good Day

7th May 2022.

I woke at 6 and snoozed then got up when it went off again. I packed my gear and was ready to go.
Good morning Snail ready to get back to the trail?
Yes sir.
Okay I’ll drop you back to the road.
As we were driving down his drive a large herd of Elk were gathered there must have been 50 plus. I thought I had videoed it but seems not.
Once at the road I thanked him so much for his generosity.
Then I waved him goodbye.
I stood by the road it was 6.30 on a Saturday morning and oh so quite .To hitch you need cars and there were none !! I stood there for about 30 minutes. mmm best start walking .I hoisted my pack and set off down the highway.no cars…..lol.
About an hour later a motor home slows .i walkover to it It was the couple who I met at the cave dwellings . I get inside thank them they know where the trail head is as they dropped people off earlier. What a lovely couple.
We chatted about the fire closures, and about other hikers

And I then i was standing on the trail. I thanked them again and headed out.I was taking the Pie Town Alternitive, and it was hot already . A little way in I met a lady coming the other way as I chatted to her I realised it was the wife of the man with the Dog that i had met before the Gila. Wow.
I pushed on, the trail climbing steeper and steeper. I was struggling and I don’t know why.
After the climb the trail become very enjoyable with great scenery.

I was doing okay but wished I could go faster. I wondered where the boys were and how much further they were I front of me as I pushed on up dirt roads. Okay snail time we will have a brew. (My reward).
At last a perfect spot. I dropped my pack and got out my stove .Oh a cuppa such a reviver..
Okay snail miles to crush ha ha.

About a mile up this road the trail turns right and just ahead under a tree was a water cache. omg thank you so so much Trail angel.
As I was topping up 2 guys stopped for a chat
They were hunters from a local Indian tribe.
They were out to hunt for 2 turkeys. They take the feathers for their religious dances and customs really interesting.
Okay I now have water and 3 mile + climb that’s very helpful.
I chugged up the hill melting in the sun. But at the top what amazing views wow.
And now down,I spent the rest of the afternoon spiralling down and it was shitty loose rock, I stumbled several times omitting a few swear words.
In the distance I saw another hiker and I began to gain on them.
As I got closer I could see it was a lady. HIYA I said.
She jumped then told me off for making her jump. This lady is 75 wow.
It was now approaching 6pm and I was tired and began to look for a flat spot.
Maybe a compromise!! I spied a group of trees and went to look. yup i can get my tent in there.