As is the usual behavior when I leave town, I was groggy this morning and not much in the mood for a timely start. Why does town leave me more exhausted? I didn’t even shower or do laundry in Grand Canyon Village. Sleep wasn’t great last night either.
| 🗓️ Date | October 23rd |
| ⇢ Mileage | 24.0 |
| 📍 Trip Mileage | 144.0 |
| ⛅️ Weather | Sunny 65°F; 40°F at night |
| 🏞️ Trail Conditions | Single track with a few retired dirt road sections |
The day was somewhat of a drag. The feet and ankles show wear from the Grand Canyon — likely that absurd 8,000 feet of descent. I have blisters on the back of my heels; never have I had these before. I decided on a more modest day to give some recovery.
I continued on the flats of the southern portion of the Kaibab National Forest. There was the occasional view north to the southeastern rim of the Grand Canyon. I missed my turn off for my first water source of the day and decided to push 12 miles to the next source on the half a liter I had from yesterday.
I dragged myself through the flat northern Arizona forests. The most eventful moment today was the carcass of an elk at the shoreline of my final water source. Seeing the water sources were unreliable for quite a ways, I packed out four liters considering a dry camp tonight and a 20 mile water carry to my next water source tomorrow.
The day ended quite pleasantly. The sunset was enjoyable as I walked my way through juniper grasslands lightly stimulated on caffeine and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The moon is bright tonight.
Signing off,
Zeppelin
“Freak on a Leash”
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