I kinda dread today, because I have to go to the post office. I always feel like the dumbest person there because I have a hard time understanding the options of boxes, rates, schedules, etc.
It starts with me figuring out everything I have, don’t have, and need. That depends on my estimate of how many days between stops. Looking over maps and such I deduce:
– 3 days to Gila Hot Springs. I plan to stop by there but not spend a day, keep on hiking. There is a store called Doc Campbell’s but they don’t have much there other than good ice cream. Since I haven’t mailed any supplies there yet and mail is slow getting there, I will carry food in my pack for the next stretch …
– which is 7 days to Pie Town, which has pie (of course) but little else. Therefore I need to mail food there to a place I plan to camp called the Toaster House. It is a house that is available to hikers for laundry, showers, and such. When I get my package at the Toaster House, it will have provisions for the next …
– 5 days to Grants, which is a town with hotels and stores. I plan to have a zero day there and resupply
Given this brilliant 15 day plan, I had a very nice breakfast at Adobe Cafe (great customer service), bought needed provisions and went to the post office to mail it to Pie Town. Whew!
(And I listened to the Pirates win; HeHo!)
Relieved to be done with my mailing chore, I printed out a new health insurance card at the library, had a mocha and muffin, and had gelato at Alotta Gelato (great place). My VISA card that worked 20 minutes earlier at the coffee place was declined. After 45 minutes calling 3 different numbers to my credit union I am not sure what happened and somewhat lacking in confidence with them.
Bounce is back in town, met with him and his hiking buddy Mike at Little Toad (again) for non- intoxicating fare. I want to hit the trail in fine form tomorrow. By the way, my credit card worked.
Silver City has been great. Tried a lot of different restaurants, liked them all, plenty of others I didn’t get to. Tomorrow begins a new adventure.
Hey Pat! As I write, I see you’re making great progress and are in Pie Town. I’ve been there for the Pie Festival in the fall….a great time!
Have you run into any of the Warrior Hikers? Check in with me or I will with you in Grants and we’ll figure out if you will be at our campsite on Memorial weekend. Spread the word with others if you like!
John Daly
John, thanks! Haven’t seen any warrior hikers, but I will probably be in Grants May 8 or 9, unless the ache in my right shin slows me down