GREAT DIVIDE BASIN, WY
I woke up with the sun peeking over the horizon and frost on my sleeping bag. I set out on the trail with a temperature of about 40 degF
When I got to a water source, my water filter plugged. I got a couple liters, but really can’t use this filter anymore. Fortunately I have some backup methods
Later I spotted a cell tower nearby on a hill and got service. I was able to confirm I have a new filter being sent to Rawlins and there is nothing else I can do to unplug the one I have.
The day was a little warmer, recording 100 degF at lunch, but again it really was not that hot. After lunch the sky became overcast providing some cool relief.
While things were nice overhead, under foot it became nasty. The trail turned to sand for many miles. Like trying to walk on the beach, it’s exhausting and slow. I did notice a side track at times that was compacted and much better, but it was sporadically available.
I intended to get to a specific water source to camp so I did about 6 hours of continuous hiking to get there before dark. However, 2 miles before I got there I read some comments about the water source that were not good while I stood next to some cows drinking out of a very nice water source with a pipe pumping fresh water into it. The wind was picking up and the skies looked threatening, and this was the only place I saw all day where there was flat ground to pitch a tent.
I setup my tent, got water, and cooked dinner as the wind got really strong blowing sand into my tent, followed by rain. Really happy I decided to camp here.
Only 45 miles to Rawlins. Should be there Thursday by lunch. HeHo!