The Day of the Giant Cow

April 12, 2023 Day 12

mile 211.3 to 232.2 (20.9 miles)

We woke up around 6:30 to get packed up and head back out on trail before the heat of the day set in. Carol took us to the Mexican restaurant for breakfast and I made phone calls to the fam while eating. When we finished she dropped us back off at the trailhead. It was hard to leave our perfect RV behind. I was so tempted to zero but really want to save a day off when I really, truly need it as a morale boost. 

The day was easy elevation wise although it was mind meltingly hot at midday. Not far from the trailhead we saw the biggest cow I've ever seen in my life. Cows never really make me nervous but this one was laying directly across the footpath and was not moving. He let us pass by peacefully though, although he shifted his weight as we neared him which caused me to break into a run LOL.

Henry said he was feeling down because of the Grand Canyon closure, he really wanted to be able to walk every step of the trail. I was really disappointed when I heard the news but today it isn't bothering me. I'm just worried about putting one foot in front of the other and seeing as much of the trail as I can. He put headphones in and hiked ahead of me most of the day.

Clouds rolled in sometime after 2 and it cooled down big time. I felt like I was flying in my new shoes, Hokas really are no joke when it comes to cushion. My feet haven't hurt at all today. I almost missed the side trail to a water tank but back tracked when I realized and found Hambone there with other hikers filling up- Weapons Grade, Reset, Katie, and Michael. We took a nice break leaning back against the tank and drinking our fill while eating some snacks. I packed out my Olive Garden leftovers but it turns out that's the last thing I want to eat when hiking in the hot sun so I just ate some candy and pretzels instead.

Leaving the tank the hiking was absolutely beautiful, so many flowers and cacti and an incredible purple sunset as we descended here to the water source and camp.

We set up around some other hikers and I begrudgingly ate my Olive Garden for dinner. We filled up our water tonight by the light of the headlamps while bats swooped above the tank catching moths. There were so many water beetles swimming around in the tank that it was hard to fill up our bottles without catching any. Ready to read my book for a little and head to bed.