Day #39 (96)-Goats, goodbyes, and naturally flavored water. Miles hiked: 29.3

Duck, PI and I had a really fun time last night swapping stories about our hikes and eating an entire container of ice cream each. Therefore it was understandably difficult to leave the hostel this morning. But first, breakfast!

I also had to say goodbye (or rather “see you later”) to Rattle and Smarts as they’re spending a few days in Rawlins while I move on. I am so thankful for the time I got to hike with them; their friendship came at a critical time in my journey.

Nevertheless, I crossed I-80 and continued south back into the desert. Gone are the luxurious piped cow troughs as the water options today were algae-laced cow doodoo ponds spaced 15 miles apart. Even after filtering my water through a bandana in an attempt to remove the organic material, it tasted just as bad as it looks. Yuck! 

I have 50 miles left of the Great Divide Basin before heading back up into the mountains.

Goodnight from a space in the sage brush that I cleared of cow turds. Onward to Steamboat!