Flavored water

Pushing out of Jordan around ten in the morning, we proceed a few miles east before Buddy's hunter instincts hault the journey. In the long grass beside the highway he's found a bird and subsequently demonstrates his canine prowess by throwing it around for about fifteen minutes. Once the bird is dead and no longer providing much amusement, he spends another ten minutes rolling around in the grass; I don't mind. In fact, I'm glad to see him acting more like himself again.

For the next four hours we sort of saunter along, stopping every time I see a good photo opportunity or when Bud appears to need a break. After 12 miles or so, fitigue appears to be setting in, so I swap the dog for my pack and let him rest in the cart.

We meet a guy named Brice, who pulls over a couple times to find out what's up. After talking for a little while he asks if there's anything we need.

'Just a legal place to pitch a tent for the night,' I tell him.

He supposes that pretty much any place would be okay; I have some reservations though. Most of the surrounding acrage has posted signs. After making a U-turn, he sends us off with lots of good vibes and some protein bars, both valuable assets to a hiker.

Only a couple more miles and I find the perfect spot--to be fair, Bud actually suggests the exit. It's on block management land (He's become quite adept at recognizing which properties are potential camp sites) so I open the cattle gate and cross onto a beautiful shelf that overlooks the valley. First priority is water, and because the water I'd gathered earlier from the Big Dry Creek looks a lot like cloudy sewage, I decide to boil it a little longer than usual. Me and Bud have some play time before the sunset, and what an amazing sunset it is! Then, back to the tent for a hot chocolate that's slightly soupier than normal with a hint of algae at the finish. All in all, a pretty good day.