- NNML 2026 Day 9, June 26, Friday
- Start S3 mile 0, Ghost Ranch
- End S3 mile 18 near Mogo
- Miles walked: 18
I walk out of Ghost Ranch early, to take advantage of the cool morning.
Navigating out of the box canyon is confusing for me, but I eventually get it. After 4 hikes out of Ghost Ranch, I still tend to make a wrong turn when exiting.
My climb out of Yeso Canyon is hard for me. My pack seems heavy, and my energy is low, and I have to rest frequently. It already seems too hot.What is going on? Too much town food and rest? Something else?
The day starts cloudless, but around noon clouds appear and soon thunder grumbles in the distance. Clouds fring welcome shade.
Rain begins, just as I am filtering my water for the day, at mile 15, and lasts about an hour. The temperature drop is sudden, and now I have to hike just to stay warm.
The soil changes to black, and sticky from the rain, like clay. Trees change to skinny aspen, all with damaged bark. Is that from antlers?
Conifers disappear, and grassland dominates. Is the change in soil connected to lack of conifers? Along with aspen, we also get thick stands of Gambel oak, trying to grow taller than a shrub.
I get a second wind, and start to hike faster.
Around midnight, a large group of ATVs come by, with revving and latin music coming from speakers, and colored lights, and so much revving. Why would people be out partying on such a wet, cold night? I guess it is a Friday night.
Finished audiobook On the Duty of Civil Disobedience, by Henry David Thoreau.