Double zero in Rawlins

Per doctor’s recommendation, and as it worked out for my hiking partners, a double zero for me.

My hiking partners were still on trail and spent one more night out and came into town yesterday. Their stories are the most interesting. That additional night was rather miserable for them with the thunderstorms. Feral spent that night at a campsite with a privy at it. Bottom line: he ended up sheltering in the privy due to the severity of the storm at his location. (See his You Tube video, “30 July on the CDT: Storms: Night Three” and the next one.) Pockets and Just Jim were several hours behind Feral. They had decided to hike into the night in order to catch up a little and to possibly see some meteors. They could see storms ahead and to the side of them that were not threatening them. But at one point Just Jim looked behind them and only saw blackness. Very shortly after, the downpour started. They got soaked. And so did the ground. They had to set up in the rain in an area with a clay-like surface that was sticking to everything. And the had difficulty putting in their tent stakes. Let’s just say they were all happy to get into Rawlins yesterday and take a day off today.

Also, my brother showed up again! It was great to have a chance to visit and to have some wheels to get around town. Thank you!

We had pizza delivered to the hotel this evening which was fun and delicious.

We are planning on 5 1/2 days to cross the Great Divide Basin. It is dry, so our hiking plan is focused on the known water sources. Spirits are high. My shin feels better, though still sore and stiff. Here’s hoping it doesn’t slow me down.There isn’t very much vertical on the trail between here and Lander, so that should help.

One more piece of news: my parents have decided to meet us for our stay in Lander! This is their first big trip away from home since COVID , so is a big deal for them as well.