November 10

We left this morning just before 6 am as Smooth was making his way slowly down the switchback to where Nat, Jane and me were camped. We hiked lower into the valley and met up with Louis at one of the river crossings. From there, the whereabouts of everyone in the group was established and we pressed on to the south. Forrest, Louis and I had a morning break together before the heat of the day set in. We watched a plane towing gliders to altitude and made noises at cows during the day. There are some things thru-hikers find entertainment with that few others consider. Again, water was exactly where it was listed on the water report and our day had very few surprises. The scenery is all desert beauty at this point. Pointy plants like cacti and prickly brush dominate the landscape. Our groups have evolved again for camping tonight. Nat, Jane, Louis and myself are camped 3 miles south of Smooth and Forrest. Today was a 32 mile day for me and I think that is just enough to help me sleep well for tonight.