3 Highlights:
• Lunch with a view during our climb
• Meditating as a group
• Completing the final big climb of the hike
Daily Summary:
• Distance hiked: 40 km
• Starting point: km 4588
• Ending point: km 4625
• Weather conditions: Hot and windy
Reflections:
The day started with 70 making coffee, albeit with orange-flavored water, a combo I hope to never repeat. We faced a challenging 1500 m climb in the heat. Our lunch spot had some shade, and I took a moment to meditate and recharge.
Water caches and small rest stops made the trek manageable, even if the climb tested our patience. Throughout the day, I listened to podcasts and reconnected with friends and family, feeling supported even in solitude. As the climb intensified in the late afternoon, I embraced it, knowing it was likely the last significant ascent of the CDT. I reached the top in time to catch a breathtaking sunset. Semper Dry pushed on past the campsite, leaving us to meet him in Lordsburg. Sleep came easily after a day well spent.
