It was nice to have company last night as we were the only ones around for miles apparently. It was easy to tell this USFS campsite is rarely used, but the good news was the toilet had paper and the creek was flowing right outside my tent. It truly is the little things in life that keeps you going.

Michael made it in late last night and with a more challenging day coming, I did not bother him much and let him get all set up for the evening. I am hoping he can make it to Silver City today and stay on his plan to finish Tuesday.

I decided that since the climbing would essentially be throughout the day that I was going to have to leave before the sun came up in order to get as much climbing in while the temperature was still cooler and the flies were less motivated to attack my face.

I immediately started the day with a substantial climb and climbing would continue to be the flavor of the morning until I hit pavement 21 miles away. I exercised caution during the climbs and even more so during the descents on sometimes rocky road conditions. During this time, I also noticed more smoke over the mountains.

Once I made it to the pavement, it would be a nice ride to Lake Roberts where I planned on getting some Gatorade and a frozen burrito to attach to War Dog for later in the day. The first store I came to would be closed until 9:30 am, so I tried the next store.

There was a man at the next store that was interested in my story and he said the store may be opening soon. I took this time to clean the drivetrain of War Dog as I talked to this handy man. He ended up knocking on the door of the shop keeper and I heard him tell her that I was waiting for the store to open.

Come to find out, the store was actually scheduled to open at 11:00 am, but she let me in and I got all the Gatorade I could handle along with a huge frozen beef burrito. I also threw in an oatmeal sandwich cookie and a Dr. Pepper that I absolutely crushed before I left.

The next climb would be another substantial climb on the Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway. This climb would be steep with switchbacks and just my type of suffering.

I enjoy a good climb, but what I have discovered is that flies love the taste of suffering that comes from my face. They just love to fly around my head and sometimes land in my beard and mustache when I am struggling up a steep hill at slow speeds. There must be some sweet tasting suffering goodies coming from those facial hairs of mine.

Gila Nation Forest put a good old fashioned smack down on this guy the last couple of days. It was a tough forest with plenty of climbing on some rugged roads at times.

Gila National Forest 1. Stan 0.

The last climb of the day would be to the historic town of Pinos Altos, or “Tall Pines.” This town is on the continental divide essentially and one of those old gold towns that went bust. The Buckhorn Saloon keeps the town getting visitors as it serves beers and food a little later in the day.

The descent into Silver City was a nice way to end a challenging day. I plan on taking tomorrow off to stay on my schedule of finishing Thursday. It is nice to be ahead of schedule currently so I can take it nice and easy to the finish. Cannot wait to see the family as they are officially headed this way as of today.