When we left Lima yesterday, one of the Nobo’s had told us of a chute we would be coming down today. It was nothing but marble granite and nothing to hold onto. We walked all day waiting for this infamous path and never found it.

What we did find was several different ecosystems with almost every corner we turned. We started out on the plateau leaving Rock Springs. It was mostly sage with some grasses. Before long we were on top of a rocky ridge line that climbed, yes, to the top of the ridge. Once atop, there was a series of switchbacks that led us down the mountain, over shale and boulders, trees and pines, until we opened up into a grassy knoll.

The grassy knoll had grasses as tall as my hips and the best part, was I never saw a single tick! We ran into no less than ten Nobo’s today, all feral looking as they have been walking since April. It’s easy to tell if you are a Nobo or a Sobo. The Nobo’s have lost much weight, they are more scruffy and walk with a quick pace. Sobo’s are still fairly clean shaven, have some scrapes and bruises from fallen trees and may still be looking to shed a few extra pounds. Me included!

We stopped for lunch at one of the creeks, took off our shoes and Free Bird played a little giddy on her violin. She is 23 years old, and is quite a talented singer and musician. She sang an original song when we were in Lima called Lady Aurora which was sultry and powerful. This girl will be going places after the trail.

After lunch, we finished up our shorter day and only hiked another five or so miles. We have an important date this weekend with my husband George so we are cutting our miles back. Just about five minutes before we made it to Aldous Lake, it started spitting. The sky was gray and thunder was moving in. Hogged up was already set up in her tent as Fearless and I rolled in. Free Bird had her poncho turned into a tent erected. I found a spot pretty quick and Fearless eyed some trees for her hammock.

Just as we were setting our houses up for the night, thunder, lightning and rain started rolling in. I had my tent squared away and jumped into my home, then waited. The lightning was much too close for comfort and the hail was pelting the tent. Well God, once again you answered my prayers. Rain will clear out the smoke and put out the fires, and we are all tucked in and ready for you to rain down on us. I guess it’s all about timing! Thank you Lord for giving me enough time to get all tucked in, along with my friends. Once again, you are a mighty and powerful God!

It stopped raining. So all us girls, Fearless, Hogged Up, FreeBird and I decided to play a game of corn hole. Free Bird and Fearless found some sticks and constructed a makeshift square box and the object of the game was to get the sticks into the box. Easier said than done, yet Free Bird and I squeaked out the first ten points and were crowned the winners! Today was such a beautiful day with wild flowers, mountain ridge lines, trees and meadows. I do feel so blessed to be able to walk in the woods.

“You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭65‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬