What a great finish to a mediocre road walking day.

I woke up to light rain a couple times and went back to sleep. When I woke up for good it was late but at least it was warm and I'd have a chance to dry out the tent. I was hiking at 10:19. US 50 was about an hour+ away. The 6+ miles down it didn't suck as much as expected - probably because of the Blue Mesa Point camp store. The owner was friendly and helpful and I filled myself with cold Barqs, Mountain Dew, and Gatoraid. Thirst quenched. Pringles were my lunch. He even set me up with a chair in the shade. From him I learned about the Ferros Trading Post that I'd pass later.

Today was almost 100% on roads. After crossing the Blue Mesa Dam there was one exception. I was able to cut the US 94 - CO 721 switchback on some sort of trail. That probably cut out two miles of uphill roadwalking in the heat. Nice!

About 4 miles later I was at the Ferro's Trading Post where I had planned to just water up and continue. One thing led to another as so often happens and John and Kay were very friendly and I was able to make some calls and before I knew it hours had passed and the sun was setting. I asked to camp on their property for the night and they obliged. So here I am on their deck with a belly full of noodles and salmon. Life is good on the trail.