CDT 2024 - Day 23, Another Day in Bernalillo, NM

Runningbird adds two to her force.

Today was a bit more chill. For me as I did very little running around. For Runningbird because she was indeed wet along with all her stuff. She had also met up with a couple of other hikers from California near Cabazon. They were wet too. Bird had contacted me via text using one of the other hikers In-Reach tracking device. They wanted to know where the water was. I told her exactly where it was and she said they already knew that; they would use that for today when they got there. They had read the water report I posted. What they really wanted to know was if there was water for tonight? I told her yes, I had placed it right at the mile marker we had discussed previously and I told her how much and exactly where, like which bush! So suddenly I'm a hero for three. Good. Glad we got that cleared up. So all my efforts from the previous day were not in vain. Well, other hikers would appreciate it as well anyway.

Despite being wet, they were happy to know they would have water for the coming dry stretches of their hike. I was also glad to know she was not going to be hiking alone for the next few days. She had some heavy things on her mind and having company would help. Checking the SPOT I could see, approximately, when they reached the first cache of water. Shortly after I received a thank you text. Nice. I checked on them periodically throughout the day and then became concerned they wouldn't make it to the next cache before dark. It was actually a fairly warm day (good for drying out, bad for making good time) and it appeared they were moving slow. Then I had a bit of a moment - this is not my problem. They'll either make it there, or they won't. And either way they'll be just fine.

Meanwhile, back on the KOA farm, because I was adding another day to my stay, they had room but they needed the particular site I was occupying for a bigger rig. I was happy to move to the smaller spot and it doesn't take long to shift with this trailer. The new site is actually much nicer with a big shade tree and more privacy. I also called and made a reservation for a park for the next positioning north where I would meet Runningbird. Beau got lots of walks and attention today and we were entertained watching a rather large fifth wheel trailer thing come into the RV park. It was quite large and looked more like a tiny home on wheels only not so tiny. I spoke to the lady of the house later when Beau wanted to introduce himself to her pup. I asked her where they live and she said they live wherever their house is. They've been moving around for years now and they love it. I would need stronger blood pressure medication to tow that around.

I received a phone call from Runningbird tonight and they had arrived at the designated mark and were enjoying their water cache and setting up their tents. When I asked what she was having for dinner she said, "hot water with noodles and hot water with mashed potatoes. You know, I kinda like to mix it up". O Yum!

Beau is crashed and I'm heading that way.