Day #5-Goodbyes, bee stings, and magic! Miles hiked: 23.2

Today we left the Econo Lodge bright and early for our last stretch of true open desert. After a 5-mile road walk out of Lordsburg, we did what I think was the most challenging desert section we’ve done.

The terrain wasn’t bad, but there wasn’t a square foot of shade or an ounce of water for 15 miles and we ended up off trail several times with sparse markers. Clearly, this cow also didn’t have a great time here.

Oh, my water bladder also got shredded by a barbed wire fence…thank goodness for tenacious tape to slow the leak.

The adventures continued when we arrived at the first and only water source full of hundreds of bees. However, 3 stings and 3 liters of water later it was all better.

After the water, we found a whole new world—goodbye to the Bootheel and hello to trees and mountains!

Also, we made it to the 100 mile mark!

There was a sweetness to the end of this day that far out-weighed any bitterness. We hobbled across a road to find Solo, a trail angel and beautiful soul who gave us tea and drinks and shelter next to her van. Truly magical! 

Goodnight from HWY 90.