It's Memorial Day today in Cuba, NM yet I was still able to get a mail drop from a post office worker named Mary. It was full of 2.5 days of food and NEW SHOES. My feet were crying for New ones since the cushioning ran out in my current ones.

After checked my out of the Del Prado, and saying my final farewells to my old shoes I began walking to the Micky D's a few hikers began hiking into town, Franklinstein, Flyballz, Knock Knock, AND LYLE. My first thought was, "Oh hell no!" Before I knew it Lyle spotted me too and looked both ways before heading over to greet me. At this moment I realized he was home. Looking happy as ever he trotted his way to the nearest car garage to peruse through some trash before returning to my morning shadow. Once at Mc-D I gave him one final pat on his greasy head before I went on to order. Through the window I saw him greet a few drivers refueling at the gas station before her scampered off one last time.

It thundered as I rose out of town towards my next destination , Ghost Ranch. My steps became soggier and colder as I neared 10,000 ft. The rain turned to sleet briefly before quitting for the rest of the day. Everything must have been so wet from a good amount of snow that must have melted recently at this altitude. The decent down was slightly better, however blowdowns riddled the trail for the 3 miles downhill. There really wasn't even a trail for most of it, just spray painted blue blazes that lead the way.

I ended the day at the first flat camping area, here I found many familiar faces. My Fire that I built in the available pit made for good conversation for dinner before everyone retreated back to their tents for the calm night.