The world is better when you have water. So much better.

I got an early start headed to Colossal Cave where my package was being held. I carried all the water I needed for the day so I wouldn’t have to stop. Before 9, I’d already made it under I-10 through the snake tunnel. I saw no live snakes, only a dead rat.

My Guthook app quit working in the aftenoon. Luckily I knew where I was and I have the paper databook and map set to fall back on.

The trail was winding and long and it got hot but I was happy to be headed to civilization.

I made it to Colossal Cave a little after noon, got my box, and hung out waiting for Scratch, Bangles, and Tikimon who I met in Patagonia and who were a few miles behind me. You should check out Scratch’s videos here.

From there, the marvelous Barry gave us a ride to Safeway in Vail and we Lyfted to a motel near I-10. I did laundry in my bathtub like a good hiker trash does, and I ate an entire jar of beets. And a bag of salad. And pineapple. And another bag of salad. And some raviolis.

My first night inside since I started the journey! My first bed since Sierra Vista!

Turns out my leg tan wasn’t a tan. It was dirt. I also lanced my giant toe blister. Too much information?

I have photos. But I won’t share.