Day 43 (ODT 11)

Day 43 (ODT 11): 27 miles

I started my morning by making my own shortcut and climbing, what felt like vertically, 1,200 feet out of a canyon. I did this to cut out some miles so I could make it to some Hot Springs early enough in the day to enjoy them. And this is the ODT, might as well have some fun with off trail stuff.

It was a brutal climb out of there with a lot of sow moving and cut up legs. But after that it was an easy day. I cruised on dirt roads until I got to The Campground with the hot springs. I saw an old guy that stopped to talk to me last night. I had to cut him off after 5 minutes cause last night he kept rambling for about 30 minutes before I could get away, and I felt the same coming.

I went and found a campsite far away from the large crowd of NARP’s there with their kids and non-stop barking dogs. I cleaned off my feet in the creek nearby which was awesome. This is the cleanest they’ve been since the start of the trail.

I took a little nap and then went to chill in the hot springs around 6:30. It ended up being a great time and I enjoyed nature’s hot tub for over 2 hours. I was also joined by 2 other thru hikers. They had both hiked a ton of trails and were very knowledgeable. It was great talking trails and especially the Hayduke….

I dropped my toothpaste open while walking and brushing my teeth this morning. So now the inside is filled with dirt and sand. While that might do a great job grinding my teeth like a steel brush, I’m probably gonna avoid using it so hopefully I can buy some in town. Or maybe I’ll go 2 weeks without brushing my teeth like I did last year in Wyoming cause none of the small towns I went through sold toothbrushes.

Song of the day: N95-Kendrick Lamar