I wanted to get going on the trail but we had told Doug we would have coffee with him this morning. We walked up to his cabin and he made coffee for Pat and himself and gave us a small religious medallion on some yucca fiber he made himself. This was pretty cool and I plan to keep it as a reminder of him. I enjoyed hearing about his life as a hermit, but he and Pat kept talking about obscure religious stuff which I did not follow. I tried to take an interest, but I’m not religious and just don’t buy into all that. I was polite though and kept my thoughts to myself. None-the-less I became increasingly antsy and finally announced that I was going to hit the trail. Doug followed us out for a mile or so before turning back. We said goodbye and I wish him well.

It was 12 very tough miles between Doug’s place and the Gila river.  1300 feet up and over Tadpole Ridge along a steep and very brushy trail. I heard and then saw a rattlesnake in the rocks by my feet. With all the thick brush it was impossible to see unless you were at just the right angle..

After Tadpole Ridge there were several miles of up and down in various canyons. I saw another horny toad and about 8 squirrels frolicking around an abandoned trailer in the bottom of a grassy valley. I dubbed the spot Squirrel Town. The last two miles seemed to descend forever on a very rocky and slippery trail.  The rocks were like hardball-sized ball bearings.  

I took a break at one point under a shady tree, and along came Melissa. She is super friendly and sat with me for a nice visit. I can tell she is one of those driven types. I wonder if I will ever see her again.

We are currently camped with several other hikers at Sapillo creek where it joins the Gila river. We met Helen (from France) and had dinner together. She is a bit concerned about crossing the Gila alone, so she is going to tag along with us tomorrow. There are a lot of huge trees in this river bottom (sycamore?) and birds making strange jungle-like sounds.

I think the trail is catching up with me. I had no energy and felt nauseous for much of the day.  I hope I can work through the this soon.  I managed to eat a backpacking meal tonight so hopefully that will help. Argh! Leg cramps.  Night.