Utah!

Total miles-2704, Days miles: 74

Again we had another really eary start, a contrast to this time one month ago! We set off at 6:40, in an attempt to avoid the worst of the heat, as it now really starting to get hot. I think that it got up to over 40 degrees during the hottest art of the day. Having done 45 miles, crossing the state border into Utah, we stopped in Blanding. In blanding we had a early lunch and then went and lay in the shade for about 2 hours, during the middle of the day. It was one of the few opportunities we have had just to chill out and do nothing-no planning, no thinking! so that was a really nice. Also a woman who had just come the way we were going, named Helen, came over whilst we were sitting there, and gave us loads of useful tips, like where to sto pfor water and the good places to eat.

Reluctantly we set off into the tremendous heat, with the aim of going as far as we could in the evening. As there were no services for the 75 miles, we really stocked up on supplies. Water was the main concern on a long stretch like this. We both carries about 7-8 litres of liquid, plus a whole load of food for the evening and morning. we managed only another 30 miles, mainly as we were going uphill most of the way. We stopped at around 8:45, not before the sun set, blanketing the surrounding landscape in a brilliant shade of orange, which was spectacular. We camped just of the side of the road in the bushes, and munched our cold microwave dinners. Piece of advice- dont ever get chicken and rice with gravy microwave meal and eat it cold...it tastes like dog food.

Tomorrow we will try and get to Hanksville, which is 100 miles away, so we have set the alarm for 4:45, so we can get in as many miles as we can before the heat sets in.