Restin’ in Rawlins with a Welcome Zero

Wyoming has been changing every day as I walk farther away from Colorado.  The state border may be a mere line in the dirt but it builds the spirit.  Mexico is a fair bit behind at this point and it becomes all the more impressive with each mile.  With temperatures into the 90s the past week, it feels as if summer is just beginning but already I find myself wondering when the snow will start falling.

No snow yet but a little rain never hurt anyone.

A zero day gives the body an opportunity to heal and it also allows me time to take care of other trail errands.  At the grocery store I resupplied three times over and sent two of these ahead to towns that do not have adequate grocery store options.  Some people pack and send all their resupply boxes before leaving for the trail but I like to do this on the fly.  Your diet changes during the hike and it can be difficult to predict how much you will be eating or even what you will enjoy eating at this point.

Thankfully it was a short walk to and from City Market.

While the past few days of road walks were a welcome change of pace, the miles still take a toll on the body.  The hard surface has no give and I have been icing my ankles throughout the day.  On the bright side, the bright sun hides behind summer storm clouds that have been unable to produce a sufficient amount of rain.  They hang around for most of the day, occasionally spitting out sprinkles and threatening to do more.  It’s more like someone turned on the air conditioner and magically I stop sweating so much.

Walking off into the sunset.

With this past resupply I picked up bug spray, which is something I haven’t bought in years.  Apparently the bugs in northern Wyoming and Montana are hellish and some sort of protection is highly recommended.  A lot of flat terrain lies ahead as the trail descends into the Great Divide Basin; a black hole where precipitation goes to disappear, never making it to either ocean or gulf.

At least the road walk was beautiful.

I look forward to what Wyoming holds up ahead but will keep my eyes on the road in front of me.  No step taken too carefully and every stone left unturned.  The miles count themselves down while I try to ignore the sound.  The ticking trail timer gets louder every day and I still feel as if it’s just begun. 

Thanks for reading!  Peace and Love