DWTH Day 6: Waterman Mtns to Ragged Top

Daily Miles: 18.8, Total Miles: 87.6

I slept pretty well last night despite the bellowing cows and a low flying helicopter that passed over me twice at low elevation. The coyotes were also yipping and howling early in the morning.

Heading north, the Waterman Mountains were the prominent feature, rising abruptly out of the desert floor. Great views as I got closer and over the flank of the mountain.

The next high point wasn’t far away. Silver Peak and the Silver Bell Mountains, with a significant copper mining history and partially within the IFNM. I did spend a short time on an active mine haul road for trucks hauling aggregate. The drivers were very friendly but probably surprised to see me.

Crossed the Avra Valley Road and was happy to find my undisturbed water cache. Only 1.5 liters but very timely. I also surprised a coyote and he slowly slinked away.

Another combination of primitive roads, up dry washes and cross-country today – always expected on a Brett Tucker route. I saw cows straining their necks up to eat ocotillo flowers. Nothing else seemed edible to me. I had lunch and got water at another wildlife guzzler. Soon after, I saw the remains of a migrant camp – old clothing, blankets and empty bottles.

Worked my way around the backside of Silver Bell Peak and set up camp in a wash in the shadow of Ragged Top and Walcott Peak. What a pretty spot!

I managed to watch the last two episodes of Severance, Season 2. Why do I always seem to enjoy those strange, quirky shows even though I don’t have a firm grasp of what’s going on? I may have to watch these again.