Today we hiked out of Chimney Creek campground and straight into a solid transition from desert to mountain.

The morning was cooler (the last little while the evenings and mornings are quite warm) and in general, the temperature just keeps getting more manageable. We have more shade, more breeze (but not an intense wind) and the air feels cooler.

Secret sees the mountains in the distance and tells me they remind him of home. They are green. There are several mountains in the distance – they keep going as far as you can see. And the atmosphere is blueish and not a hazy brown.

We did lose our shade in the afternoon but some of it came back and we finished by climbing down a valley with a view of the meadows and white granite mountains.

We finished at a creek and camped there for the night. I found a slightly shaded spot with a large fallen tree for Secret to climb.

We flip flopped today between Secret being super sweet and fun to talk to and him hitting. He’s upset and not staying calm. He is getting whatever sinus infection and cough his sister had. Thankfully she’s recovering so we are just having to deal with one sick kid.