3 Highlights:
1. Swimming in “hot springs” pool park
2 Time with Wild Flower
3. Sunshine and warmth
Daily Summary:
• Distance hiked: 0 km
• Starting point: Buena Vista
• Ending point: Salida
• Weather conditions: Sunny
Daily Reflections (challenges, insights, musings):
I woke up at 3 am, had trouble falling back asleep, and officially got up at 7. I quickly borrowed the restroom at Jan’s place, where I was promptly accused of stealing a cowboy’s phone. “Do you want to frisk me?” I offered stumbling out of the toilet booth. No need—he found it tucked away in the bottom of his pants. Crisis averted, although not without some morning confusion. My unpolished looks are getting me more often into trouble it seems.
We visited two cafes (I can’t get enough of decent espresso when I find it), then hitched a ride with Zach, a father of two and an avid river surfer. He took us to Salida, where our first stop was the swimming pool. It was fun for about 20 minutes before the novelty wore off, and the reality of semi cold water set in. Wild Flower had other plans though. She spent two hours floating around, testing my resilience in experience prolonged bouts of boredom.
Lunch consisted of noodles outside the swimming center while drying the tent. It was during this peaceful moment that Wild Flower and I made a decision: she would return to El Salvador to help the family for a few weeks while I continued the hike.
Afterward, we ventured into town and were invited to a cortado by Adam, a the surfer from yesterday in Buena Vista whom turned out to be a former Navy man with a bundle of stories. We finished the day with a slice of New York-style pizza by the river, watching people surf the rapids. Not exactly what I expected in Salida, but it was a pleasant surprise.
We checked into the “Simple Hostel,” cleaned up, and Wild Flower treated us to dinner, Pad Thai. It’s been a long day of decisions, and I’m thoroughly exhausted.
Good night.
My beautiful Wild Flower