May 12, 2025
‘Red line’ mile marker 23.6 to 34.1
Hiked today: 18.7 miles / 30.1 km
Hiked so far: 35.1 miles / 56.5 km (approx: 1.1%)

We had great intentions of starting at 5am but unfortunately we both overslept the alarm so it was closer to 6.30 by the time we were packed up and heading along the dirt road. Russell had warned us that it would be very hot but the early morning was pleasantly cool and we made good progress, stopping after 5 miles for breakfast and then on as the temperature climbed. The second stop was at a water cache where we filled all our bottles. Although we had been told there was water available at a tank further on, we didn’t want to rely on that in the 40ish degree heat.

The sun umbrellas that we brought were useful.  Attached to the shoulder straps of our packs, they left our hands free to use our hiking poles. Unfortunately, not only did the tank have no useful outflow but there was also minimal shade beside it.  In the end, we made do with some mottled shade under a shrub (after clearing away the carpet of cow manure). Not much apart from cactus can grow in the dry sandy soil, but the predominant shrub in our photos seems to be mesquite bush – low, dry, and hardy in the harsh conditions.

After an hour’s break we got moving again along the foothills of the Little Hatchet mountains. Although the temperature hadn’t dropped much,  there was a strong wind that helped to cool us. The aim had been to get to the next water supply, but after another 8 miles of hiking along the dirt tracks, we were both exhausted. We have set up camp in a dry river bed to try and escape the wind, but it is a challenge keeping the tent upright.

On the trail today we saw a tiny snake and a jack rabbit. Both moved too quickly for a photo. There were also a couple of large eagles and one swooped right down quite close to us.

We hope to hear the alarm tomorrow and get started a little earlier to make better miles before the heat sets in.