8-30-06
Start: 2 mi. from UT 95
Destination: Jct. 276 & 95, UT
Elevation: 4585 ft.
Miles: 25.9
Weather: Hot
We had a long, hard hike in Utah. Our goal was to get to the Jct. of UT 276 and UT 95, where our Ogema clan dropped us 3 gallons of water. We weren't sure what they were going to be able to do about getting a new tire, so we hiked out prepared to camp. And that's what happened, so I'm sure hoping they can get a tire!
The morning (and most of the day) was emotionally tough on me. I guess I just have a day like that every now and then. Mom hiked ahead of me all day except when I passed her on a hill. That hill was a pretty good grade and went on for about a full mile. I saw it and actually got angry. Not at anything except the hill itself. Yes - I was mad at a chunk of earth. I decided to get up and over that stupid hill as fast as my legs would take me. I got to the top and must have hiked off the anger, because it wasn't there any more. Maybe it's just because that specific stupid hill was behind me. Who knows...
I prayed for strength to get me through the rest of the day. We met a neat lady at an overlook named Ellie. She was driving cross-country for I think the third time with her dog. She spoke briefly of life itself in very simple terms, and it made me happy. I hiked on with my mind racing. Ellie simplified my thoughts and just made the rest of the day a little smoother. My thoughts raced, and it helped time go by.
Mom and I hiked hard to a rest area where we actually had a small stream to dip our feet in, and it was clear, so we treated and drank some, even. Ahhh, cold water. We took a nap and hiked on again.
We had a lot of motorcyclists honk and wave at us, and a lady stuck her whole arm out of the window of her car with a big thumbs-up and a huge, loud, "Woo-hoo!" behind it. That made us both smile. It's hard to walk roads, but it really can be fun.
We're camped on some nice, soft, fine sand, and our food is hung over a rock overhang. We're both pretty wiped out and a little grumpy from the heat. I think a good night's sleep is all we need.
Sorry - Comments are disabled.