Day 12

A long day. Nice morning turned into a hot day. Very warm while going. Went behind first two hills, saw a sweatlodge, then out in front of hills. Almost a continuous string of surface sites from that point on until I dropped into Butler Wash. With the ones north of this point (from last trip), as well as what I marked on previous days, it is apparent that in Basketmaker II/Pueblo I times their must have been a solid string of settlements along the upper length of Butler Wash. Anyway, I dropped into Butler Wash a lot earlier than last time, and found it easy going, though sandy, and a little water in a couple of spots. Finally reached the tunnel under the paved road about 2, ate 2nd lunch, and cruised through, up Butler Wash, then up Kickass to its rim and found a campsite. Got really cloudy about when I got to camp, thought it might rain, but it cleared out for a nice sunset and a mild evening. Heard some coyotes close by about 5:34, but couldn't see them. That's pretty much it for packing. Only about 30 minutes to parking area, and I have 3 whole days before that. It will be interesting to see if I can keep my focus, or if I just lie around and read.