I woke up at the literal shithole known as Bull Spring. There are lots of small willows and green, close-cropped grass all over (almost like a lawn), but then you see all the cow poop and the feeling of being in an oasis starts to evaporate.  I walked over to the spring but couldn’t bring myself to drink the oily shit- smell water and opted to take my chances on the next water source 7 miles away (which also sounds bad based on the Guthooks comments).

When I arrived I discovered the cows had been here too and in fact were laying around it.  The water was green with algae which I assume is because of all the nutrients the cows put in the water.  I had to drink, so I filtered a liter through my washrag that I cleaned my feet with the previous night, and then through my Sawyer which made it clear.  It tasted a little odd (either from cow shit or my feet, not sure) so I used one half for instant breakfasts and the other half with a drink mix.

It was then that I made the decision to slackpack into Rawlins. The highway was visible only 5 miles away and I was tired and thirsty for some clean water.  I walked to the highway and didn’t even have time to put away my trekking poles before a nice guy picked me up and drove me to Rawlins.  Unfortunately he dropped me off on the other side of town so I had to walk a couple miles to get to the Econolodge where I was staying tonight.  I didn’t mind though – there is a McDonalds next door and I made a beeline for it.

On the walk through town I encountered a huge buck in someone’s front yard.

After I had a shower I took a selfie in the mirror in the room. I’m looking really thin and gaunt for me and my hair is starting to come out faster than normal. I don’t think this is sustainable, but I have no intention of quitting. Just one more state and I’m done!