May 14, 2007

Papa Bear shuttled Bison Ed, Eric, Stetson, Squirrel Hunter,  and me to the trailhead this morning around 7:30 a.m.  My plan today was to hike 24.2 miles in the hot, arid, rolling hills.  I accomplished my goal and arrived at Casa de Luna early this evening.  Terry and Joe Anderson host hikers and tonight there are nine: Papa Bear, Bison Ed, Carla, Patrick, Scott, Eric, Stetson, Squirrel Hunter, and me.  Terry served us a delicious taco salad, offered us the opportunity to take a shower, and both Terry and Joe shared stories about the 2006 hikers who stopped in.

Terry and Joe also stock a water cache seven miles south on the trail.  I enjoyed an orange Shasta sitting in a chair with a cup holder in the mountains.  Skeletons hung from trees and a pink flamingo graced the woods.  Eric and I watched a brave lizard do pushups and wander over to check out Eric's pack.  The Anderson's are good people.  I cannot believe the kindness some folks offer to the hikers.  I am now in my tent in the Anderson's backyard.  The other hikers are all asleep.  The crickets are providing a relaxing lullaby.  I will use my mind's eye to revisit today's hike after I turn off my headlamp.  Total miles to date: 478.6