WalkingCarrot

We climbed back up the forest service road to the trail’s high point near the top of Mangas Mountain. We had breakfast and started down the right route, with thick clouds still hovering around from the day before.

The trees near the summit and on the descent begin to show some diversity. The mono-culture of Ponderosa pines gives way to include some Douglas Fir, White Pine and Aspen.  As the trail/road descends views to the north and east include some dramatic mountains, more steep and vertical than the rounded ones we’ve so far been walking through.  Dark and ominous clouds play around the peaks adding their drama.

The day remains a road walk through ranch land, with ever-changing views of wide open valleys and peaks and with ever present clouds. Occasional rains are punctuated by some sun shining through.

There is no natural water, and the occasional stock tank is a dry tub or a disgusting and foul mud hole. Someone has thoughtfully left a water cache about 17 miles from Pie town at a nondescript intersection of dirt roads.  As we approach Pie town, we are also able to get some water where a resident who runs an animal adoption sanctuary has left a cache at the end of their driveway.  We are greeted by a menagerie of dogs, friendly but barking. We take some water and hike on, racing an incoming storm cell.

We find a possible place to camp just as solid rain begins to fall and get the tent set up in time to stay mostly dry. After about 30 minutes the rains stop and we are able to get dinner going in the fading light of day.

21 miles.